title: Eggs containing larvae of Enterobius vermicularis in vaginal smear.
abstract: Enterobius vermicularis also known commonly as pinworm is the most common intestinal parasite. It is a nematode that inhabits the human terminal ileum, colon and appendix. The fertilized female migrates to the perianal area where eggs are deposited but occasionally introduces itself into adjacent orifices, most commonly the female genitourinary tract. Thus the eggs can be seen in the vaginal smear as a result of contamination. We report a case wherein the patient presented with signs and symptoms of vulvovaginitis. In her vaginal smear there were eggs of Enterobius vermicularis which showed a coiled larva within it. In the background there were plenty of acute inflammatory cells. This patient responded favorably to antihelminthics. We report this case to highlight the morphology of the parasite and also to emphasize that such findings should not be neglected. Timely reporting and appropriate treatment of such cases will prevent further complications of this parasite including endometritis, salphingitis and peritonitis.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pathology, K. B. Bhabha Hospital and Seth G. S. Medical College, Mumbai, India.
authors.forename: Jyothi B
authors.initials: JB
authors.lastname: Shetty
authors.forename: Dhanashri V
authors.initials: DV
authors.lastname: Kulkarni
authors.forename: Vl
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Prabhu