Enterobiasis

/ˌɛntərəˈbaɪəsɪs/ noun

Definition

A parasitic infection caused by pinworms (threadworms), causing itching especially around the rectum.

Etymology

From 'Enterobius' (genus of pinworms) + '-iasis' (disease condition). The genus name combines 'entero-' (intestine) + Greek 'bios' (life).

Kelly Says

Pinworms are the most common parasitic infection in developed countries, especially in children—they're not dangerous but incredibly annoying, and the fact that they're so common shows how difficult it is to escape parasites entirely.

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