OCCURRENCE OF ENTEROBIASIS WITHIN HELMINTOSIS IN THE REPUBLIC OF CROATIA IN THE PERIOD 2017 - 2022

Abstract

Helminths are multicellular organisms with a complex organic system, and they are divided into nematodes (roundworms) and platyhelminths (flatworms) and cause helminthiases (helminthiasis). The most common nematode that infects humans is Enterobius vermicularis and causes enterobiasis. Enterobiasis is a disease known since prehistoric times, which still causes considerable illness in children of preschool and school age. It affects not only poor countries, but is also widespread in more economically developed countries. The most common route of infection transmission is fecal-oral, the incubation period of the disease is 2-8 weeks, and the life span of the worm is about 2 months. The diagnosis of the disease is based on the evidence of worms or eggs, and knowing and
early recognition of the symptoms of the disease helps in faster and more efficient treatment and prevention of further spread of the disease. Also, intensive and constant education of all persons involved in the growth and development of children is essential in order to create habits of action in the direction of reducing the risk of enterobiasis infestation. Enterobiasis sufferers in the Republic of Croatia are reported under the entity Helminthosis. Helminthiasis is one of the diseases on the list of communicable diseases that are mandatory to report in the Republic of Croatia, according to the Law on the Protection of the Population from Infectious
Diseases. The share of helminthiasis and enterobiasis in the Republic of Croatia in the period 2017-2022 is 10,486 : 7,604, that is, 73% of helminthiasis are actually enterobiasis, with an average of 1,267 people falling ill each year.