Key Research Findings

Pinworms are a common parasite in research facilities, and their eradication poses a challenge. 13 conducted a study to improve the detection and elimination of pinworms (Syphacia muris) in rats. They found that pinworm eggs are shed in greater numbers in the midafternoon compared to other times of the day, and the sex of the host doesn't consistently affect egg shedding. They also discovered that pinworm eggs can survive for up to 7 months in the environment, increasing the risk of reinfection. Gaseous chlorine dioxide proved to be an effective ovicidal agent, achieving a 99.7% kill rate.

A study on pinworms in children, 2 , found that 24% of children aged 2 to 16 years were infected with pinworms. The study also found that thiabendazole was effective in treating pinworm infections but it can cause side effects like anorexia and vomiting, particularly in adults.

22 investigated the effects of fenbendazole (FBZ) on the immune system of mice. They found that FBZ can significantly affect the immune systems of mice, especially older mice. FBZ treatment negatively impacted the mRNA and protein expression of E2A (a transcription factor crucial for B lymphocytes) in activated precursor B lymphocytes from both young and old mice. These effects reversed after 6 weeks of regular feed after treatment. However, activated B lymphocytes from the spleens of young and old mice exhibited decreased function (cell proliferation, E2A mRNA, and protein expression) until the end of FBZ treatment but recovered within 2 to 4 weeks after treatment. It is recommended to postpone the experimental use of mice for at least 6 weeks after FBZ treatment.

3 explored the effectiveness of fenbendazole against Dentostomella translucida in Syrian golden hamsters. The results showed that fenbendazole treatment was highly effective against Dentostomella translucida, reducing the number of pinworm eggs in the feces significantly within the first week of treatment in all hamsters. After four weeks of treatment, the eggs were completely eradicated. Interestingly, the average weaning weight of the hamsters was significantly reduced during treatment, but the litters remained healthy.

21 studied the impact of fenbendazole on allergic airways inflammation and Th2 cytokine production in a mouse model of asthma. The study found that mice fed with FBZ-supplemented food during the in utero and post-weaning periods displayed reduced lung eosinophilia, antigen-specific IgG1, and Th2 cytokine responses in an asthma model. Treatment of mediastinal lymph node cells from allergic mice with FBZ in vitro led to reduced cell proliferation, IL-5 and IL-13 production, and expression of the early lymphocyte activation marker, CD69 on CD4(+) T cells and CD19(+) B cells. Additionally, eosinophilia and Th2 responses remained attenuated even after a 4-week withholding period in allergic mice treated preweaning with FBZ. These findings suggest that FBZ can modulate the intensity of Th2 responses both in vivo and in vitro.

5 investigated the effects of maternal fenbendazole on litter size, survival rate, and weaning weight in C57BL/6J mice. The study found no significant differences in litter size, survival rate, or weaning weight between the control group and the group treated with fenbendazole. This suggests that fenbendazole treatment doesn't significantly affect reproduction in C57BL/6J mice.

17 assessed the effect of fenbendazole on three behavioral tests in male C57BL/6N mice. The study found no differences between the control group and the treatment groups in open field or elevated plus maze testing, histopathology, or clinical pathology. However, mice treated for 4 weeks with fenbendazole or 2 weeks of fenbendazole followed by 2 weeks of regular diet performed poorly on the rotarod test. These results suggest that fenbendazole treatment may affect motor ability in mice.

18 examined the strain-related effects of fenbendazole treatment on murine experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE). The study found that a three-month regimen of FBZ-medicated feed significantly affected the onset and disease severity of EAE, a disease that mimics multiple sclerosis. Differences were observed between the mouse strains used. The data suggest that when using FBZ, its effects should be carefully evaluated in the specific EAE variant used in the laboratory.

9 explored the impact of intraperitoneal administration of an anti-IL-23 antibody on the establishment of intestinal nematodes in mice. They found that mice treated with anti-IL-23 monoclonal antibodies exhibited a significant reduction in the number of mouse pinworms (Aspiculuris tetraptera) recovered from the intestine compared to the untreated group. The study suggests that the Th17/Th2 regulatory mechanism triggered by the anti-IL-23 antibody prevents the establishment of intestinal nematodes in mice.

Treatment Summary

2 found that thiabendazole is effective in treating pinworm infections. 22 and 3 also found that fenbendazole is effective in treating pinworm infections in rodents. 17 suggests that fenbendazole can affect motor ability in mice.

Benefits and Risks

Benefits Summary

Pinworm treatments are effective in controlling pinworm infections, preventing reinfection, and alleviating symptoms caused by pinworms. Some studies suggest that pinworm treatments may also reduce inflammation in disease models like allergic airways inflammation and experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis.

Risks Summary

Pinworm treatments can have side effects. Thiabendazole can cause anorexia and vomiting, especially in adults. Fenbendazole can negatively impact the immune system and behavior of mice. Fenbendazole can also reduce the weaning weight in hamsters.

Comparison between studies

Commonalities

These studies demonstrate the effectiveness of pinworm treatments in controlling pinworm infections and preventing reinfection. They also highlight the potential impact of pinworm treatments on the host's immune system.

Differences

These studies use different treatments like thiabendazole, fenbendazole, gaseous chlorine dioxide, pyrantel pamoate, pyrvinium pamoate, ivermectin, and piperazine citrate. They also target different animal species, including mice, hamsters, and humans. Additionally, the studies point to potential effects of pinworm treatments on the host's immune system, behavior, and reproduction.

Consistency and Contradictions in Results

Pinworm treatments are generally effective. However, some studies indicate potential negative effects on the host's immune system, behavior, and reproduction. These effects might vary depending on the type of drug, animal species, and treatment duration.

Real-world application considerations

Pinworm infections are common in children. To prevent pinworm infections, it's essential to practice good hygiene, such as thorough handwashing and maintaining cleanliness around the anal area. If pinworm infection is suspected, consult a doctor for diagnosis and treatment. Pinworm medications should be taken as prescribed by a doctor. Also, remember that these medications can have side effects, so caution is advised. Consult a doctor before using pinworm treatments during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

Limitations of Current Research

Research on pinworm treatments remains limited. Further research is needed to understand the long-term health effects of these treatments on the host. More data on the side effects of pinworm treatments is also necessary.

Future Research Directions

Future research on pinworm treatments should focus on understanding the long-term health effects on the host, gathering more data on side effects, and developing new drugs to improve the effectiveness of treatments.

Conclusion

Pinworms are a common parasite in research facilities and require careful management. Good hygiene practices are essential to prevent pinworm infections. Consult a doctor for diagnosis and treatment if you suspect a pinworm infection. Pinworm medications should be taken as prescribed by a doctor. Remember that these medications can have side effects, so caution is advised. Consult a doctor before using pinworm treatments during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

Treatment List

Thiabendazole, fenbendazole, gaseous chlorine dioxide, pyrantel pamoate, pyrvinium pamoate, ivermectin, piperazine citrate, albendazole