RISKS FOR THE CREATION OF AN ENTEROBIUS VERMICULARIS OUTBREAK IN A PEDIATRIC HOSPITAL SETTING IN PLEVEN, BULGARIA

Introduction: Enterobius vermicularis is a nematode that causes enterobiasis in humans. Due to the contact nature of transmission of the invasion, children in institutions such as kindergartens, elementary schools, and pediatric hospitals are at risk. Purpose: This study aimed to determine the prevalence of enterobiasis among children aged between 1 and 17 who were hospitalized for different medical reasons in a pediatric hospital. Materials and methods: Over a period of two months, 139 boys and 126 girls were hospitalized in the Pediatric Clinic of Dr Georgi Stranski University Hospital - Pleven, Bulgaria, where they were examined for Enterobius vermicularis. The diagnosis of enterobiasis was determined via light microscopy using material obtained from the perianal areas. Results: Our study found a high prevalence of Enterobius vermicularis infection among hospitalized children (14.72%), which significantly exceeded the rates of infection in the Pleven region. Children over 7 years of age were more affected, and boys were more likely to be infected than girls (p<0.0005). Conclusion: Our study on the distribution of enterobiasis in hospitalized children emphasizes the necessity of mandatory testing for such children. The risk of infecting the hospital staff and contacting children requires using hygiene measures to protect the hospital environment.