Enterobius vermicularis and finger sucking in young Swedish children

Abstract

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

Design-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.

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

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

Main outcome measures-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).

Conclusion-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.

Key Words:

• children
• cross-sectional study
• Enterobius vermicularis
• finger sucking
• primary health care