Prevalence of Enterobius vermicularis in Prima-ry School Children of Bushehr, Iran in 2011

Enterobius vermicularis is a human parasitic nematode and lives in the cecum and the distal parts of the digestive system. It is estimated that about one billion people are infected with this parasite worldwide, and children are more commonly infected than other age groups. This study was conducted to determine the prevalence of E.vermicularis and the relevant factors among primary school children in Bushehr.
After coordination with the ministry of education, 12 schools were randomly selected from six districts in two stages, and 203 male and female students at different educational levels were examined using Garaham method. First, parents were trained how to sample properly and were given the necessary equipment. Then samples were collected and examined microscopically. Data were analyzed in SPSS 18.0 software using appropriate statistical tests.
Of the participants, 13.3% of cases (7.9% male and 5.4% female) were infected with E.vermicularis. The highest prevalence was observed in the fifth-grade students. There was no significant relationship between some symptoms such as drooling, sucking fingers and nail-biting and their gender, but it was significant for tooth grinding during sleep. The infection rate increased with the increasing family size.
Given the prevalence of E.vermicularis among school children was relatively considerable in this study and that it causes sleep, growth and learning disorders in children, it is suggested that training courses be held for parents and preventive measures be taken to improve health in the region.