Enterobiasis natural history

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1] Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Furqan M M. M.B.B.S[2]

If left untreated, patients with enterobiasis may progress to develop secondary skin infections. Common complications of enterobiasis include bacterial dermatitis, folliculitis, vulvovaginitis, and recurrent cystitis. Prognosis is generally excellent.

The symptoms of enterobiasis usually develop in the early childhood and start with symptoms such as perianal pruritus, insomnia, restlessness, and tiredness. The symptoms of enterobiasis typically develop five weeks after exposure to infected eggs. Without treatment, the patient will develop symptoms of perianal itching, which may eventually lead to secondary skin infections.

Complications that can develop as a result of enterobiasis are:^[1][2]

1. Localized:
   • Bacterial dermatitis
   • Folliculitis
   • Perianal abscess
2. Systemic:
   • Vulvovaginitis
   • Recurrent cystitis
   • Chronic pelvic inflammatory disease
   • Repeated infection with the parasite (re-infestation)
   • Liver granuloma

Enterobiasis generally has a very good prognosis.

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