Whipworm infection

• Alternative Names

  Trichuriasis

• Causes, incidence, and risk factors

  Whipworm 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).

• Symptoms

  Symptoms 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
• Signs and tests

  A stool ova and parasites exam reveals the presence of whipworm eggs.

• Treatment

  Mebendazole 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 provider

  Seek 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.

• Prevention

  Improved 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.

• References

  Kazura JW. Nematode infections. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007: chap 378.

Review Date: 9/28/2008

Reviewed By: Jatin M. Vyas, PhD, MD, Instructor in Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Assistant in Medicine, Division of Infectious Disease, Massachusetts General Hospital. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.