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Trichuriasis
is infection with Trichuris trichiura.
Symptoms may include abdominal pain, diarrhea, and in heavy infections,
anemia and malnutrition. Diagnosis is by finding eggs in stool.
Treatment is with mebendazole or albendazole.
Infection is spread via the fecal-oral route. Ingested eggs hatch in the duodenum, where the larvae invade and mature in the mucosa before migrating to the large bowel. Adult whiplike worms embed their heads into the superficial mucosa of the colon and cecum, where they may live 7 to 10 yr.
The parasite occurs principally in the tropics and subtropics. Mild asymptomatic infections occur in rural parts of the southern US.
Light infections are often asymptomatic. Heavy infections cause abdominal pain, anorexia, and diarrhea and may result in anemia or retarded growth. Very heavy infections may cause weight loss, anemia, and rectal prolapse, particularly in children.
The characteristic lemon-shaped eggs with clear opercula at both ends are readily found in feces.
Mebendazole 100 mg po bid for 3 days and albendazole 400 mg po once are recommended. When albendazole is used for heavy infections, most experts recommend 400 mg once/day for 3 days. Ivermectin and nitazoxanide are alternatives. These drugs should not be used during pregnancy. Prevention requires adequate sanitation and good personal hygiene.
Last full review/revision November 2005
Content last modified November 2005
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