Enterobius vermicularis infection: a cross-sectional study in preschool and school children in the North-Western part of Slovenia

Abstract

Summary Enterobius vermicularis is a prevalent intestinal nematode. The objective of the research was to study enterobiasis prevalence in symptomatic children <15 years of age attending community health center in North – Western part of Slovenia in years 2017 – 2022. Perianal tape tests were performed on three consecutive days. The overall prevalence was 34.2 % (296 out of 864 children included). The mean age of children positive for E. vermicularis was 5.77 (95 % CI: 5.51 – 6.04) and 4.74 (95 % CI: 4.54 – 4.95), p<0.001 for children with negative test results. The positivity rate was not significantly different for boys compared to girls (boys 37.0 %, 95 % CI: 32.4 % – 41.8 %, girls 31.8 %, 95 % CI: 27.6 % – 36.2 %, p=0.107). The number of boys with all three samples positive in a sample set was higher compared to girls (p – value 0.002). Family size affected the positivity rate – the mean number of siblings was higher in positive children. Significant association with E. vermicularis infection was proven by the presence of anal pruritus and absence of abdominal discomfort. High E. vermicularis warrants careful monitoring of trends and public health response. It is necessary to encourage the use of hygiene measures in schools and empower parents to recognize enterobiasis timely.