THREADWORM LIFECYCLE

1. Infection begins when threadworm eggs are swallowed.
2. Larvae hatch in the intestine, then mature and mate.
3. A few weeks after infection, female worms emerge at night to deposit eggs around the anus - this can cause itching & discomfort.
4. Eggs are excreted in faeces or spread by contaminated hands to the external environment, where they are highly contagious & can survive for several days - especially in cool, humid areas such as bathrooms. The cycle then begins again. (point 4 links to point 1)