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There are approximately 60 species of whipworms that infect mammals. Only two are discussed here, the human whipworm, Trichuris trichiura, and the canine whipworm, T. vulpis. These two species have a high degree of host specificity, but canine whipworms have been recovered from humans on rare occasions.
Whipworms get their name from the characteristic shape of the adults. The adults live in the host's large intestine with their anterior ends embedded in the cells that line the intestine; each female can produce in excess of 10,000 eggs each day, and the worms can live for several years.
The whipworm life cycle starts with eggs from adult female worms living in the intestine being passed out with feces. These eggs can then contaminate soil and, in warm moist conditions, they will develop to the stage where they can become infective in about three weeks. These eggs are then swallowed, for example on fruits or vegetables that have been watered with water containing contaminated soil. Once in the intestine, the eggs hatch into larvae, which grow and develop in the small intestine before moving to another part of the intestines - the cecum. Here the adults attach themselves to the wall of the cecum and start producing eggs, which are then passed out with the feces.
Signs & Symptoms
Most infections of whipworms appear to be symptomless. However, because the worms live a long time and a person can be reinfected constantly, heavy worm burdens can develop. Symptoms of whipworm infection can include diarrhea, dysentery, and anemia.
Diagnosis & Tests
Diagnosis depends on the demonstration of eggs, which have a characteristic appearance, in the feces. The biology of T. vulpis is similar to that of T. trichiura, and the eggs of the two species are virtually identical.
Complications
Heavy infections in children can cause mental and physical retardation.
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Conditions that suggest Whipworm Infection:
Risk factors for Whipworm Infection:
Whipworm Infection suggests the following may be present:
Recommendations and treatments for Whipworm Infection:
KEY | | Strong or generally accepted link |  | | Proven definite or direct link |  | | Highly recommended |
GLOSSARY
Anemia (Anaemia, Anemias)
A condition resulting from an unusually low number of red blood cells or too little hemoglobin in the red blood cells. The most common type is iron-deficiency anemia in which the red blood cells are reduced in size and number, and hemoglobin levels are low. Clinical symptoms include shortness of breath, lethargy and heart palpitations.
Anterior
In the front or forward part of the organ or toward the head of the body.
Diarrhea
Excessive discharge of contents of bowel.
Dysentery
An inflammatory disorder of the lower intestinal tract, usually caused by a bacterial, parasitic, or protozoan infection and resulting in pain, fever, and severe diarrhea, often accompanied by the passage of blood and mucus.
Small Intestine (Small Bowel)
The small intestine lies between the stomach and the large intestine. It is about 6 meters (20 feet) long and its primary function is to digest (break down) food and absorb nutrients (vitamins, minerals, proteins, carbohydrates, and fats). The small intestine makes up more than 70% of the length and 90% of the surface area of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract.
Whipworm (Trichuriasis, Trichuris trichiura, Whipworms)
An intestinal parasitic worm, approximately 1.5 inches (4cm) in length. Usually symptomless, heavy infections - especially in small children - can cause gastrointestinal problems (abdominal pain, diarrhea, rectal prolapse) and possibly growth retardation.
Last updated: Oct 08, 2008
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