Evaluation of gastric biopsy results and laboratory parameters in enterobiasis: Insights from a case-control study

Enterobius vermicularis, commonly known as pinworm, is a prevalent intestinal parasite that can cause various gastrointestinal symptoms. Despite its ubiquity, the impact of enterobiasis on gastric biopsy results and laboratory parameters has not been thoroughly investigated. This study compares gastric biopsy findings and laboratory parameters between patients with and without enterobius infection. This case-control study enrolled 71 patients presenting with dyspeptic complaints. All participants underwent upper and lower gastrointestinal endoscopy. The study group consisted of 21 patients with confirmed pinworm infection on colonoscopic examination, while the control group comprised 50 patients without pinworm infection. Demographic data, laboratory parameters, and gastric biopsy results (intestinal metaplasia, atrophy, Helicobacter pylori) were collected and analysed. The study included 21 patients with enterobiasis and 50 patients without enterobiasis. There was no significant difference in gastric biopsy findings between the study and control groups. However, the laboratory parameters of haemoglobin, hematocrit, potassium, albumin, aspartate aminotransferase, and C-reactive protein differed significantly. Hemoglobin and hematocrit values were lower, and C-reactive protein values were higher in the enterobiasis group, while potassium, albumin, and aspartate aminotransferase values were higher in the control group (p<0.05). This study demonstrates that while enterobius infection does not significantly alter gastric biopsy findings, it is associated with significant changes in several laboratory parameters. These findings suggest that enterobiasis may have systemic effects beyond the gastrointestinal tract, highlighting the importance of comprehensive laboratory evaluation in affected patients. Further research is warranted to elucidate the clinical implications of these laboratory alterations in enterobiasis.