Trichuriasis (whipworm) is a dangerous parasitic disease that can be infected, among others, by in tropical countries, especially the Caribbean, South Africa and Malaysia, where the most cases are recorded. What are the causes and symptoms of trichuriosis (whipworms)? How can you get infected? What is the treatment? How to prevent infection?

Trichuriasis , otherwisecapillaryor trichocephalosis, isparasitic diseasewhich is common in around the world, especially in countries with tropical climates. The most common cases of whipworm disease are in the Caribbean, South Africa and Malaysia.

Trichuriasis (whipworm) - causes

The cause of the disease is the human whipworm ( Trichuris trichiura, Trichocephalus trichiurus ) - a very small worm (30 to 50 mm long) belonging to a nematode that usually parasitizes in the caecum and fat man.

Females make from 2 to 5 thousand daily eggs that enter the environment along with the host's faeces. However, then they are not immediately capable of contamination. Parasites are invasive (i.e. those in which the larvae have already developed) only about 3 weeks after being expelled and developing in a suitable environment, i.e. moist, with access to air. The larvae found in the eggs can survive in the soil for up to several months.

Trichuriasis (whipworm) - how can you get infected?

The parasite enters the human body through dirty hands, eating dirty vegetables and fruits, drinking contaminated water, etc.

Trichuriasis (whipworm) - symptoms

After getting into the body, the whipworm larva sheds the egg shell in the digestive tract and then travels to the large intestine. There, within 4-5 weeks, it becomes a mature form. The parasite lives in humans usually in larger groups - sometimes up to 1000 individuals or more are found.

With a small number of parasites, ie when the infection is mild, symptoms may not appear. Massive infection contributes to the following symptoms:

Whipworm can live in the human body for up to 5 years.

  • allergic reactions;
  • abdominal pain in the areacecum;
  • loose stools or diarrhea containing mucus and / or some blood;
  • nausea and vomiting;
  • flatulence;
  • colic;
  • headaches and dizziness;
  • increased nervous excitability;
  • sleep disorders;
  • progressive weakness;
  • lack of appetite and the associated emaciation;
Important

Human whipworm infection can lead to the development of appendicitis, anemia (due to mucosal bleeding) and peptic ulcer disease.

Trichuriasis (whipworm) - diagnosis

If a disease is suspected, a stool sample is examined to find out if there are any eggs. The parasite's eggs are excreted in the faeces three months after infection. Parasites themselves are usually not found in the stool.

In some cases, a colonoscopy may help.

Trichuriasis (whipworm) - treatment

The treatment uses anti-parasitic drugs such as albendazole, mebendazole or ivermectin. Unfortunately, treatment is difficult due to the strong and deep penetration of parasites into the intestinal wall and low sensitivity to the medications used.

Important

Trichuriasis (whipworm) - how to prevent infection?

First of all, follow the rules of personal hygiene. In addition, you should carefully wash the raw vegetables and fruits. It is also important to protect the soil and water from the possible spread of whipworm eggs in them.

Category:

Parasitic diseases