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Excerpt from WhipwormSynonyms, Key Words, and Related Terms: Nematoda, parasite, parasite infection, parasitic disease, trichuriasis, Trichuris trichiura, T trichiura, whipworm, rectal prolapse, Trichuris dysentery syndrome, ascaris, anemia Please click here to view the full topic text: WhipwormBackgroundTrichuris trichiura (whipworm) is a roundworm of the phylum Nematoda. It is one of the most common human parasites. The common name is derived from the worm's distinctive whiplike shape. The adult worm usually reaches 3-5 cm in length and has a lifespan of 1-3 years. PathophysiologyHumans are the only known host of T trichiura. The organism is spread via the fecal-oral route. Potential hosts ingest the embryonated (mature) eggs. The eggs hatch in the small intestine, and the larvae attach to and penetrate the small intestinal mucosa, where they begin to mature. After approximately one week, the immature worms move passively to the large intestine and proximal colon. The worms' anterior portions penetrate the mucosal epithelium and the worms can imbed over one half of their length into the mucosal surface. Once the worms are sexually mature, mating begins. Egg production occurs 2-3 months after initial ingestion. The female worm is capable of producing 3,000-20,000 eggs a day. Once the eggs are passed in the feces, they develop in a warm humid environment. Egg maturation occurs in approximately 2-6 weeks. The embryonated egg can maintain viability for several months under suitable conditions. Destruction occurs with exposure to direct sunlight for more than 12 hours and to temperatures of less than -8°C or higher than 40°C for one hour. FrequencyUnited StatesPrevalence of whipworm infestation is less than 0.1%. The most common areas of infection are the southern Appalachian range and Gulf coast states.1 InternationalWhipworm infections are among the most common of all human parasites, with an estimated 750-800 million infections worldwide. The most affected regions are rural areas with poor sanitation and tropical climates, including Southeast Asia, Africa, the Caribbean, and Central and South America. Prevalence rates are as high as 80% in these regions. In contrast, prevalence in areas of Western Europe and Japan is similar to that in the United States. Mortality/MorbidityMost infections are asymptomatic. Symptoms are related to the worm load or number of worms involved in an infection. Heavy infections (hundreds to thousands of worms) can lead to death secondary to GI and hematologic complications. AgeAlthough infections are observed in all age groups, most heavy infections are observed in the pediatric population. This probably reflects the increased likelihood of children to have poor hygiene and to play in soil that carries the worms' mature eggs. Please click here to view the full topic text: Whipworm |
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