Pattern on Enterobius vermicularis in Korea

Enterobius vermicularis (pinworm) infestation in present day Korea has become one of nationwide problems. But, the incidence of pinworm infestation having been reported by many workers was almostly the data for specific groups. The incidence of pinworm infestation for 208 families of 760(male; 30, female;420) middle class inhabitant of Seoul, 238 subrural inhabitants in Gyeonggi Province and 150(male;77, female;73) rural primary students in three different districts were examined by modified Gralam's scotch-tape swab method. The results are summarized as follows; 1. The incidence of nationwide infestation a. The nationwide incidence of pinworm infestation of the 1,148 specimens examined was 28.7% (male; 27.5%, female; 29.6%). b. The highest incidence was found among 5-14 years of age. c. In comparison of the incidence by the area, the highest incidence was found among subrural area, next among rural area and the lowest among urban area. 2, Urban area a. The incidence of the 760 inhabitants examined was 23.2% (male; 24.1%, female; 22. 3%). b. The incidence of the parents group was 12.2% and children group was 30. 30.3%. c. In the parents who hold one or more pinworm poitive cases among children, the incidence of father group was 13.2% and mother group was 29.7%.3. Subrural area a. The incidence of the 238 inhabitants examined was 42.9% (male, 40.8%, female; 44.4%). b. The cumulative positive rate of anal swabs showed increasing tendency. c. Worm collection rates after chemotherapy of 98 inhabitants were 54, 0%. d. In scotch tape anal swab only one times, diagnostic value was 74.0%. e. Mother group infested with pinworm seemed to play an important role for the high incidence in individual family. f. In comparison of the incidence by the examination method, the highest incidence was found among scotch tape method. 4. Rural area The incidence of the 150 primary students examined was 34. 5% (male ; 24. 7%, female; 43.8%).