Enterobius vermicularis and finger sucking in young Swedish children.
OBJECTIVE
To study the prevalence of Enterobius vermicularis and its association with finger sucking in young Swedish children.


METHODS
Cross-sectional survey with a questionnaire for symptoms of infestation with Enterobius vermicularis, and the children's habit of finger sucking (including fingernail biting). Perianal tape-test for identification of eggs of Enterobius vermicularis.


METHODS
Primary care, day-care centres, and schools in a Swedish middle-sized town (approx. 80,000 inhabitants).


METHODS
172 children of both sexes, 4-10 years old.


METHODS
The prevalence of Enterobius vermicularis and its association with finger sucking.


RESULTS
21% of the children were symptom-free carriers of Enterobius vermicularis, and finger sucking was strongly associated with a positive tape-test (p = 0.01).


CONCLUSIONS
More children than previously known seemed to be symptom-free carriers of Enterobius vermicularis. Finger sucking should be considered when treating infested children and especially those with relapsing symptoms.
Herrström
P
P
Primary Care Centre Hertig Knut, Central Hospital, Halmstad, Sweden.
Friström
A
A
Karlsson
A
A
Högstedt
B
B
D000818:Animals; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D017229:Enterobiasis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000635:transmission*; D004757:Enterobius; D005260:Female; D005386:Fingersucking; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008403:Mass Screening; D015995:Prevalence; D013548:Sweden / Q000453:epidemiology