Whipworm infection or Trichuriasis: Definition, Causes, Symptoms and Treatment-

Whipworm infection or Trichuriasis: Definition, Causes, Symptoms and Treatment-Whipworm (Trichuris trichiura) is an intestinal parasite of humans. The larvae and adult worms live in the intestine of humans and can cause intestinal disease. The name is derived from the worm’s distinctive whip-like shape.

Although it can be found almost all over the world, Trichuriasis is common in tropical areas with poor sanitation. Worms require hot and humid environments to develop outside the host in the soil. However, sanitation is key in predicting whether or not a particular area is endemic. Areas without sanitary systems to separate feces and food will have more T. trichiura infections. In places where human feces are used as fertilizers, whipworm infections are common and hard to eliminate from the population.

Risk factors of Whipworm infection

A whipworm infection can occur in anyone. However, people may be more likely to contract a whipworm infection if they:

Live in a region with a hot, humid climateLive in an area with poor sanitation and hygiene practicesWork in an industry where they come into contact with soil that contains manureEat raw vegetables that are grown in soil fertilized with manureChildren also have a higher risk of getting a whipworm infection. They often play outdoors and might not wash their hands thoroughly before eating.

How is whipworm spread?

Whipworms live in the intestine and whipworm eggs are passed in the feces of infected persons. If the infected person defecates outside (near bushes, in a garden, or field), or if the feces of an infected person are used as fertilizer, then eggs are deposited on the soil. They can then mature into a form that is infective. Roundworm infection is caused by ingesting eggs. This can happen when hands or fingers that have contaminated dirt on them are put in the mouth, or by consuming vegetables or fruits that have not been carefully cooked, washed or peeled.

Causes of Whipworm infection

Whipworm infection is caused by the roundworm, Trichuris trichiura. It is a common infection that mainly affects children.

Children may become infected if they swallow soil contaminated with whipworm eggs. When the eggs hatch inside the body, the whipworm sticks inside the wall of the large intestine.

Whipworm is found throughout the world, especially in countries with warm, humid climates. Some outbreaks have been traced to contaminated vegetables (believed to be due to soil contamination).

Symptoms of Whipworm infection

A whipworm infection can cause a variety of symptoms, ranging from mild to severe. They may include the following:

Bloody diarrheaPainful or frequent defecationAbdominal painNauseaVomitingHeadachesSudden and unexpected weight lossFecal incontinence, or the inability to control defecation

Complications of Whipworm infection

Potential complications of whipworm infection (trichuriasis) include the following:

Rectal prolapse or anemia

Vitamin deficiency

Diagnosis and test

The best way to diagnose whipworm infection is through the identification of characteristic football shaped eggs in stool. However, since egg concentration may be low in light infections, the CDC recommends using a concentration technique to collect eggs.

Although it is somewhat easy to identify T. trichiura eggs, there are other diseases that can be confused with a whipworm infection. If eggs cannot be found in the stool, diarrhea may be caused by parasitic protozoa like Entamoeba histolytica or Giardia lamblia. In cases where an exact diagnosis cannot be made, it is advised that whipworm infections should be treated for first. If symptoms do not abate, a more thorough investigation is needed.

How can I prevent infection?

Avoid contact with soil that may be contaminated with human feces, including with human fecal matter (“night soil”) used to fertilize crops.

Wash your hands with soap and warm water before handling food.

Teach children the importance of washing hands to prevent infection.

Wash, peel, or cook all raw vegetables and fruits before eating, particularly those that have been grown in soil that has been fertilized with manure.