Whipworm Infection (Trichuris trichiura)

Whipworm Infection (Trichuris trichiura) General Information

Whipworm Infection (Trichuris trichiura) is an infectious medical condition that is caused by the presence of a whipworm (Trichuris trichiura), a very small pathogen. Scientists consider that about one quarter of the world’s entire population carry this small parasite in their organisms, as this medical infection is a highly common disorder. The transmission of the pathogen that causes this intestinal helminthic infection is directly linked to poor hygiene – the main way of transmission of this pathogen is the fecal-oral route. Children are especially prone to developing this medical condition as they present a high risk of exposure to the pathogen. Only individuals who present heavy infections develop the symptoms that are characteristic to this medical condition.

The pathogen that is responsible for the development of this infectious intestinal condition (Trichuris trichiura) is widely found in association with other pathogens (helminthes), especially with A lumbricoides. After the ingestion of the eggs of the parasite, the larvae hatch in the patient’s small intestine; here, they grow and they molt, eventually arriving in the individual’s large intestine. About 3 months will pass between the time of the ingestion of the Trichuris trichiura eggs and the moment in which the pathogen matures. Whipworm Infection (Trichuris trichiura) is rarely a fatal medical condition. However, heavily infected human hosts can suffer from rectal prolapse. Scientists did not determine any racial predilection for the development of this clinical condition. The incidence of this medical disorder in the case of male children is higher than in the case of young girls.

Whipworm Infection (Trichuris trichiura) Symptoms

Most individuals who suffer from this medical condition do not present any symptoms of infection (Whipworm Infection (Trichuris trichiura) is generally an asymptomatic medical condition). Only individuals who present heavy infection (especially young children) report the development of a set of unwanted clinical manifestations. As this medical condition is not characterized by the pulmonary migration of the pathogen, no pulmonary symptoms are associated with the presence of this infectious disorder.
The main clinical manifestations that can arise due to Whipworm Infection (Trichuris trichiura) include rectal prolapse, nocturnal loose stools, dysentery (in the case of individuals who are infected with more than 200 worms), failure to thrive, stunted growth, vague abdominal discomfort, anemia symptoms (only in cases of massive infection), and so on. Other physical symptoms that have been associated with the presence of this medical condition include mild abdominal tenderness, finger clubbing, and so on.

The diagnosis of the presence of Whipworm Infection (Trichuris trichiura) is mainly set after the patient undergoes a set of special laboratory studies / tests. The patient’s physician will have to look for characteristic eggs that are present on the patient’s stool smear. In numerous cases, adult worms are seen emerge from the mucosa of the bowel through proctoscopy. All patients must be fully aware of the fact that the presence of the symptoms that we have listed above does not necessarily mean that you are suffering from this infectious medical condition (other disorders can determine the development of the same clinical manifestations). In case you experience any unusual signs or symptoms you should immediately report to your personal health care provider. 

Whipworm Infection (Trichuris trichiura) Treatment

A patient who reports to the emergency department and who is diagnosed with a severe form of infection with this pathogen (Trichuris trichiura) can be administered anthelmintic agents. No special consultation is required unless the patient presents a dangerous form of anemia or rectal prolapse (such severe conditions only appear in rare clinical cases).

The main medical product of choice for Whipworm Infection (Trichuris trichiura) is called Mebendazole. A single dose of this product (that consists in the administration of 500mg of this medication) leads to a cure rate of 40-75%. The administration of Mebendazole is able to cause worm death as it irreversibly blocks the pathogen’s uptake of glucose and other nutrients. A second dose of this medication can be administered to the patient if he or she is not completely cured within a month. An alternative medical remedy is Albendazole. However, studies have shown that the effectiveness of this product is a little lower than that of Mebendazole (Vermox). However, Mebendazole should not be administered to an infant younger than 2 years of age. Although such a patient can be treated with a smaller dose of Albendazole, in such cases, the professional medical expertise of a pediatrician is vital for the child’s well being. No patient is allowed to take any of these two medicines in order to deal with Whipworm Infection (Trichuris trichiura) before consulting with his or her personal health care provider. Only the patient’s medical professional is able to determine whether this is indeed the best way in which the individual can deal with his or her infectious condition.

Before being allowed to employ a dose of any of these medicines, the patient may have to undergo special medical examinations in order to check whether he or she is not allergic to any of the components of these products. As the biochemical pathways of the parasite are quite different from that of the human host, the administration of relatively small doses of anthelmintic agents is effective enough against Whipworm Infection (Trichuris trichiura). Individuals who were suffering from severe anemia or who presented rectal prolapse due to Whipworm Infection (Trichuris trichiura) may have to follow special inpatient care programs. The good news is that the prognosis of this infectious condition is excellent, provided that the patient receives the adequate therapy.

All patients must know that the best way to eradicate this medical condition (Whipworm Infection (Trichuris trichiura)) is to maintain good personal hygiene and to improve general sanitation. Fruits and vegetables that are known to grow in contaminated areas should be thoroughly washed before consumption. We strongly recommend all patients who are interested in finding out more about the most effective therapy courses against Whipworm Infection (Trichuris trichiura) to discuss this aspect with their personal health care prescriber. Your local pharmacist can give you further information about the medicines that are employed in the treatment of such a clinical infection.