whipworm infection

whipworm infection

Trichuriasis Infectious disease Infestation by the nematode, Trichuris trichiura, which causes the world's most common parasitic infection Epidemiology After oral-fecal contact with contaminated soil in a background of poor hygiene; ingested eggs hatch and the worm embeds in the large intestine, primarily in the cecum, appendix Clinical Light worm loads are virtually asymptomatic; heavy loads cause abdominal malaise, colic, and bloating and, when massive, mild anemia, bloody diarrhea, rectal prolapse Treatment Mebendazol. See O&P.

McGraw-Hill Concise Dictionary of Modern Medicine. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.

whipworm infection

Infection with Trichuris trichiura , a 2–5 cm intestinal parasitic worm that inhabits the lower bowel of many people living in underdeveloped areas. The infection is acquired by ingestion of the microscopic worm eggs found in damp soil contaminated with faeces. Usually the infections are symptomless but large numbers of worms may cause wasting diarrhoea in children and this may be serious if there is malnutrition. The worms can be expelled with mebendazole.

Collins Dictionary of Medicine © Robert M. Youngson 2004, 2005