Morphology

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 micrometres by 20–32 micrometres
    • 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

Reference

1. Page W, Judd JA, Bradbury RS. The Unique Life Cycle of Strongyloides stercoralis and Implications for Public Health Action. Trop Med Infect Dis. 2018 May 25;3(2)