Pinworm

Human Pinworm
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: Nematoda Class: Secernentea[?] Order: Rhabditida Family: Oxyuridae

The pinworm (Genus Enterobius) is a parasitic roundworm of the phylum Nematoda. The best known is the human pinworm (Enterobius Vermicularis). It is found worldwide and causes the common infection Enterobiasis in humans. The adult pinworm male is 1-4mm in length, while the adult female is 8-13mm and possess the long, pin-shaped posterior end for which the worm is named.

The pinworm lives in the lower part of the small intestine, and the upper part of the colon. After mating the male dies. The female migrates to the anus, and emerges (usually during the night) to deposit 10000 to 20000 eggs in the perianal area (around the anus).

Once ingested orally the larvae hatch and grow to maturity in 30-45 days.