Abstract
Enterobius vermicularis (E. vermicularis), also called pinworm or threadworm, is a widespread parasitic infection that has infected approximately 40 million individuals in the United States. However, the infection is rarely seen in the adult population. An atypical presentation of Enterobius vermicularis (E. vermicularis) infection has been reported previously in children and infants. However, there are no previous reports of this infection among adults in the Middle East. We present a case of a 30-year-old Saudi male patient who presented with significant weight loss, diarrhea, and vomiting. A colonoscopy revealed E. vermicularis in the cecum. The patient received one dose of oral albendazole 400 mg and then a repeat dose in two weeks based on his colonoscopy findings. The patient was seen in an outpatient clinic and reported complete resolution of postprandial vomiting. Asking about risk factors if there is any contact with contamination is essential. In addition, colonoscopy and stool analysis may also be considered to confirm the diagnosis. However, future studies investigating the incidence and risk factors of this infection are warranted as similar studies reporting this infection in Saudi Arabia are limited. Proper diagnosis and treatment are also essential to prevent complications of the infection.
Highlights
Enterobius vermicularis (E. vermicularis), called pinworm or threadworm, is a widespread parasitic infection that has infected approximately 40 million individuals in the United States [1].The infection is more common in children and has affected around 4%-28% of the worldwide child population
We present a case of a 30-year-old Saudi male patient who presented with significant weight loss, diarrhea, and vomiting
The infection may progress with complications such as urinary tract infection, weight loss, and infection of the peritoneal cavity, such as appendicitis [4,5]
Summary
Enterobius vermicularis (E. vermicularis), called pinworm or threadworm, is a widespread parasitic infection that has infected approximately 40 million individuals in the United States [1]. Enterobius vermicularis is prevalent in young children, mothers with low education levels, and children who do not wash their hands before eating [1]. Previous studies describing this infection are limited with no previous case reports in Saudi Arabia. A 30-year-old Saudi male patient presented to our hospital with a six-month history of chronic postprandial vomiting and unintentional weight loss (20 kg). The patient is medically free and is not taking any medications He is a nonsmoker and has denied drinking alcohol or using illicit drugs. Due to the right lower quadrant tenderness, a colonoscopy was performed and showed pinworms in the cecum (Figure 1). The patient was seen in an outpatient clinic and reported full resolution of postprandial vomiting
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