Enterobiasis in Italy today: a Primary School’s experience

Abstract

In the context of an educational project concerning personal hygiene at school, an epidemiological investigation regarding circulation of Enterobius vermicularis was performed in a primary school in Perugia (Italy).A cellophane tape test was carried out among 97 pupils of 120 attending at the school (80.8%). Cellophane tape and specific explanations were previously provided to pupils and their parents.Thirteen pupils (13.4%) were positive for the presence of oxyurs’ eggs, 12.2% among males (6/49) and 14.6% among females (7/49).This nematode was absent only in 1 out of 6 classes; in the remaining 5 positivity rates ranged between 5.3% and 25.0%. Investigation methodology and operating perspectives in connection with study results are shown and the importance of a continuous surveillance is emphasized in order to remind that enterobiasis has never disappeared.