[Occurrence of Enterobius vermicularis in children hospitalized at a central hospital]

Abstract

The aim of the study was to determine the prevalence of EV among hospitalized children and to estimate if abdominal pain is related to EV-infestation. A perianal tape-test for identification of eggs of EV was done on 186 children, aged 1-17, hospitalized in the period 8.3.1996 to 31.12.1997. The children were separated into two groups: 123 children with abdominal pain, and 63 children with symptoms thought not to be related to EV (trauma, testicular retention and hernia). Clinical data were collected from case records. Altogether 40 children (22%) were infested with EV. Among 111 children aged 5-12 the prevalence was 32 (29%). No association was found between abdominal pain and infestation with EV. In conclusion, EV is a common disease among hospitalized children. According to this study there is no indication for routine perianal tape-test of children hospitalized for abdominal pain.