MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: Whipworm infection

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Whipworm infection

Contents of this page:
Illustrations Alternative names Definition Causes, incidence, and risk factors Symptoms Signs and tests	Treatment Expectations (prognosis) Complications Calling your health care provider Prevention

Illustrations

Trichuris trichiura egg

Alternative names Return to top

Trichuriasis

Definition Return to top

A parasitic infection of the large intestine caused by whipworm (Trichocephalus trichiura).

Causes, incidence, and risk factors Return to top

Whipworm infection is a common worldwide infection which primarily affects children, who may become infected if they ingest soil contaminated with whipworm eggs. The ingested eggs hatch, and the whipworm embeds in the wall of the large intestine (cecum, colon, rectum).

Whipworm is found throughout the world, in particular among countries with warm, humid climates. The main risk factor for infection is ingestion of eggs from soil contaminated with feces. Some outbreaks have been traced to contaminated vegetables (due to presumed soil contamination).

The development of symptoms depends on the burden of worms/eggs. Light infestations may lead to few or no symptoms. Heavy infestations may result in bloody diarrhea, iron-deficiency anemia and on occasion, rectal prolapse.

Symptoms Return to top

Light infestations are frequently asymptomatic (have no symptoms).
Heavy infestations may have bloody diarrhea.
Long-standing blood loss may lead to iron-deficiency anemia.
Rectal prolapse is seen in severe cases.

Signs and tests Return to top

A stool ova and parasites exam reveals the presence of whipworm eggs.

Treatment Return to top

Oral treatment with mebendazole for 3 days is commonly used in symptomatic infections. Another anti-parasitic agent (albendazole) can be used as an alternative therapy.

Expectations (prognosis) Return to top

Full recovery is expected with treatment.

Complications Return to top

In severe cases, dehydration and anemia from bloody diarrhea can occur. Rarely, rectal prolapse can also occur.

Calling your health care provider Return to top

Seek medical attention if you or your child develop bloody diarrhea. In addition to whipworm, there are many other infections and illnesses that may show themselves in similar manner and require further investigation.

Prevention Return to top

Improved facilities for feces disposal have decreased the incidence of whipworm. Handwashing before food handling, and avoiding ingestion of soil by thorough washing of food that may have been contaminated with egg-containing soil are other preventive measures.

Update Date: 7/16/2004

Updated by: Daniel Levy, M.D., Ph.D., Infectious Diseases, Greater Baltimore Medical Center, Baltimore, MD. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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