Enterobius Vermicularis Infection

Enterobius vermicularis (pinworm) typically causes a mild Infection of the lower gastrointestinal tract in humans. . Humans are the only common hosts of E. vermicularis. This pinworm is usually found in children, may also be found in adults and is commonly found in captive chimpanzees. Although Chimpanzees have there own pinworm, E. anthropopitheci, E. vermicularis is commonly found in captive chimpanzees and has also been reported in gorillas. Except perianal itching, pinworm infections are usually mild in people. Fatal infections have been reported in captive chimpanzees, with infiltration of worms into major internal organs. Severe pathogenicity is likely due to the severity of infection and the immunological status of the host as seen in some animals due to captivity. The pathogenicity may also be attributed to the massive re-inoculation that occurs with the intense grooming habits and the development of geophagic and corprophagic behavior of the chimpanzee of some apes when in captivity.