Final answer:
The human pinworm, Enterobius vermicularis, resides in the intestine of humans, specifically in the colon. It causes a condition called enterobiasis, identifiable by abdominal pain and nighttime itching. Infection spreads through the fecal-oral route, and hygiene practices are crucial for preventing this common infection.
Step-by-step explanation:
The human pinworm Enterobius vermicularis lives in the intestine of humans. More specifically, after the ingestion of infective eggs, the larvae hatch within the human small intestine. They then move to the colon where they develop into adults. Female adult pinworms exit the body at night through the anus to lay eggs, which can lead to itching and discomfort in the perianal region. The condition caused by these parasites is known as enterobiasis, the most common helminthic infection in the United States.
Pinworms are transmitted through the fecal-oral route, which means that good hygiene practices are essential for preventing reinfection and the spread of pinworms. Handwashing and regular cleaning of surfaces can decrease the risk of spreading the eggs. Contaminated fingernails and fomites, objects likely to carry infection, can facilitate transfer of the eggs to new hosts. This highlights the importance of maintaining good sanitation and hygiene practices to avoid pinworm infections.