Parasites 101: Pinworms

In an earlier episode of the podcast we discussed the giant intestinal roundworm, Ascaris lumbricoides--a nematode parasite. Today, we'll look at a nematode that is about the size of a staple--Enterobius vermicularis, or the pinworm. Pinworm is the most common worm infection in North America, in fact, it is estimated that there are 40 million infections at any one time in the U.S. and 500 million infections worldwide. Joining me to shed some light on this common parasite is friend to the show, Rosemary Drisdellle, Rosemary is a Parasitology teacher and author of Parasites: Tales of Humanity's Most Unwelcome Guests.