morphology
Last reviewed 06/2021
E. vermicularis (threadworm/pinworm):
- is a member of the order
Oxyurida
- male pinworm is about 2–5 mm in length and no more than 0.2 mm wide. The male worms are haploid
- females are diploid and reach a length of 8–13 mm and a width of up to 0.5 mm. The female worms are light yellowish white and have a thin, long, sharply pointed tail
- eggs are:
- 50–60 micrometers by 20–32 micrometers
- have a smooth, clear outer capsule
- eggs are are flattened on one side
- are destroyed by ultraviolet lamps, dry heat and sunlight. The eggs are resistant to various 'cleaning mechanisms' including chlorination in swimming pools, hydrocyanic gas, paradichlorobenzene, and naphthalene