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Whipworm infection is an infection of the large intestine with a type of roundworm.
Alternative NamesTrichuriasis
Causes, incidence, and risk factorsWhipworm infection is caused by the roundworm, Trichocephalus 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. The main risk factor for infection is swallowing soil contaminated with feces. Some outbreaks have been traced to contaminated vegetables (believed to be due to soil contamination).
SymptomsSymptoms range from mild to severe. Sometimes, there are no symptoms. A severe infection may cause:
- Bloody diarrhea
- Iron-deficiency anemia
- Fecal incontinence (during sleep)
- Rectal prolapse
A stool ova and parasites exam reveals the presence of whipworm eggs.
TreatmentMebendazole taken by mouth for 3 days is commonly prescribed when the infection causes symptoms. Albendazole is used as an alternative therapy.
Expectations (prognosis)Full recovery is expected with treatment.
Calling your health care providerSeek medical attention if you or your child develop bloody diarrhea. In addition to whipworm, there are many other infections and illnesses that can cause similar symptoms.
PreventionImproved facilities for feces disposal have decreased the incidence of whipworm.
Always wash your hands before handling food. Thoroughly washing food may also help prevent this condition.
ReferencesKazura JW. Nematode infections. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007: chap 378.
Wiki User
∙ 13y ago
Wiki User
∙ 12y agoWhipworm infection is an infection of the large intestine with a type of roundworm.
Alternative NamesTrichuriasis
Causes, incidence, and risk factorsWhipworm infection is caused by the roundworm, Trichocephalus 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).
SymptomsSymptoms range from mild to severe. Sometimes, there are no symptoms. A severe infection may cause:
- Bloody diarrhea
- Iron-deficiency anemia
- Fecal incontinence (during sleep)
- Rectal prolapse
A stool ova and parasites exam reveals the presence of whipworm eggs.
TreatmentMebendazole taken by mouth for 3 days is commonly prescribed when the infection causes symptoms. Albendazole is used as an alternative therapy.
Expectations (prognosis)Full recovery is expected with treatment.
Calling your health care providerSeek medical attention if you or your child develop bloody diarrhea. In addition to whipworm, there are many other infections and illnesses that can cause similar symptoms.
PreventionImproved facilities for feces disposal have decreased the incidence of whipworm.
Always wash your hands before handling food. Thoroughly washing food may also help prevent this condition.
ReferencesMaguire JH. Intestinal nematodes (roundworms). In: Mandell GL, Bennett JE, Dolin R, eds. Principles and Practice of Infectious Diseases. 7th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Elsevier Churchill Livingstone; 2009:chap 287.
Reviewed ByReview Date: 09/15/2010
Jatin M. Vyas, MD, PhD, Assistant Professor in Medicine, Harvard Medical School; Assistant in Medicine, Division of Infectious Disease, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
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Which type of infection causes roundworm whipworm and thread worm in humans?
helminthic ans by mayank bhatia
Can you eat a whipworm?
no
Will Clorox kill whipworm in yard?
It may kill a whipworm that it is directly applied to, but it will not be effective on a large scale.
What parasite does the llama carry?
The Whipworm
What does a whipworm look like?
It is commonly known as the whipworm which refers to the shape of the worm; it looks like a whip with wider "handles" at the posterior end.
How big is a whipworm egg?
as big as a fat elaphant
Where can you find a picture of the life cycle of a whipworm?
google then image then type (a picture of the life cycle of a whipworm) in the blank line google then image then type (a picture of the life cycle of a whipworm) in the blank line
How does a whipworm affects a host?
In fact, these vicious little parasites will actually live off of the tissues of the host victims.
What are whip worms?
Trichuris trichiura, Trichocephalus trichiuris or whipworm, is a parasitic roundworm that causes trichuriasis when it infects a human large intestine. It is commonly known as the whipworm which refers to the shape of the worm; it looks like a whip with wider "handles" at the posterior end.
Common name for trichinella spiralis?
Whipworm. Can be obtained in pork, or any meat eating animal (carnivorous or even omnivorous such as dogs, rats etc.) due to ingestion of insufficiently cooked meat with encapsulated larvae. Often found in pork due to the high frequency of ingestion, thus labeled as Pork-worm or Pork whipworm.
Is there one medication that will prevent both whipworm and lungworm in dogs?
No, there is only a way to help you prevent the whipwormAnother answerThere is a heart worm medication.
What parasitic infections are most common?
Common parasitic infestations include amebiasis, malaria, giardiasis, hookworm, pinworm, threadworm, whipworm and tapeworm infestations.
