Oxyurini

Oxyurini is a tribe of nematodes belonging to the family Oxyuridae. These nematodes are commonly known as pinworms and are characterized by their parasitic lifestyle, primarily infecting the digestive tracts of various vertebrate hosts.

The Oxyurini tribe comprises several genera of pinworms, all sharing the common characteristic of simple, direct life cycles. The adult worms reside in the large intestine or cecum of their hosts. Gravid female worms migrate to the perianal region to deposit their eggs, often causing intense itching. This itching facilitates transmission, as the host inadvertently ingests the eggs through scratching and subsequent hand-to-mouth contact.

Pinworm infections, also known as oxyuriasis or enterobiasis, are particularly prevalent in children, though adults can also be affected. While often asymptomatic, symptomatic infections can manifest as perianal itching, sleep disturbances, and, in rare cases, secondary bacterial infections.

Diagnosis typically involves identifying eggs or adult worms in the perianal region, often using the "Scotch tape test." Treatment usually involves anthelmintic medications, such as pyrantel pamoate or mebendazole, and strict hygiene practices to prevent reinfection and transmission to others. Effective hygiene measures include frequent handwashing, particularly after using the toilet and before meals, as well as regular changing of bed linens and underwear.