AceMed Universities MU Sofia Medicine Year 1 Biology Topic 94 Biology · MU Sofia
93. Enterobius vermicularis. Trichuris trichiura (Trichocephalus trichiurus).
Covers the pinworm Enterobius vermicularis and the whipworm Trichuris trichiura, each with its morphology, eggs, transmission and life cycle. The pinworm section contrasts its skin-laid eggs with soil-transmitted species and explains self-infection, while the whipworm section describes its soil-transmitted route, barrel-shaped eggs and symptoms including rectal prolapse. Recap questions, mnemonics and two life-cycle pictures are included.
Inside: 9 sections · 2 labelled pictures · 10 flashcards · 6 min
Topic 94 of 105 in the MU Sofia syllabus for Biology (Medicine, Year 1). The free AceMed note covers it in 7 sections, about 865 words (6 min of reading), with 10 flashcards .
In this note Enterobius vermicularis. Trichuris trichiura (Trichocephalus trichiurus). Enterobius vermicularis (Pinworm) Trichuris trichiura (Whipworm) Enterobius vermicularis - Key Facts Enterobius Life Cycle Trichuris trichiura - Shape and Transmission Trichuris Life Cycle and Symptoms Enterobius vermicularis (Pinworm) Overview and Characteristics Known commonly as the pinworm Not considered a typical soil-transmitted helminth because its eggs mature on the skin around the anus, not in soil Adult females measure about eight to thirteen millimeters in length Adult males are smaller, ranging from two to five millimeters Eggs and Development Eggs are transparent and have a slightly asymmetrical shape These eggs are both the infective and diagnostic form of the parasite After being laid, the larvae inside the eggs become fully developed in about four to six hours Geographic Distribution and Prevalence Found worldwide , especially common in temperate climates Infection is more frequent among children in school or preschool settings Spread is more likely in crowded environments such as daycare centers or institutions Interestingly, it is the most common helminthic infection in places with good sanitation Life Cycle and Transmission Gravid females migrate at night to the area around the anus to lay their eggs directly on the skin Self-infection often occurs when contaminated fingers are used to scratch the anal area and then touch the mouthEggs can be transferred from person to person through direct contact or shared surfaces like bedding or clothing Eggs can also become airborne and inhaled; once swallowed, they follow the same developmental path as ingested eggs After ingestion, the eggs hatch in the small intestine , and the worms mature in the colon From ingestion to egg production takes about one month Adult worms typically live for two months
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