Trichuris trichiura or Trichocephalus trichuiris also known as
human whipworm
Trichuris vulpis also known as
dog whipworm
Although rare parasite. In Europe it is mostly represented as Trichuris campanula and in North America it is Trichuris serrata.
Cat whipworm
Trichuris suis or
pig whipworm
T. Trichiura is more prevalent in what age group?
5-15 years old especially in rural places in Asia.
Whipworms get their name from the
characteristic shape of the adults.
What is the shape of T.Trichuris eggs?
Barrel-shaped/ Lemon shaped / Football shaped with translucent hyaline polar plug at each side.
Describe the shell of T. trichuris egg.
It is smooth; yellow-brown color because of host bile contact.
What are the layers of the T. trichuris egg shell?
1.
2.
3.
1.Chorionic layer
2.Albuminous layer
3.Outermost bile-stained layer
Eggs are less resistant to
1.
2.
3.
1.Desiccation - the removal of moisture from something.
2.Heat
3.Cold
Although eggs develop well in warm shaded, moist soil they are less resistant to adverse conditions than ascaris eggs.
How many days until an egg becomes infective?
15 to 30 days
Compare male and female adult by size.
Females are much larger than males, with slender anterior and thicker posterior end.
The male is smaller and has a coiled posterior end.
Approximately female lay how many eggs per day?
C. 3000 to 10, 000 eggs per day
Describe the anterior end of a t.trichiura.
It is colorless and resembles a whiplike handle; contains a slender esophagus resembling a string of beads.
What is the life cycle of t.trichiura.
1.Mature male and female inhabits the intestine. Adult worms in caecum, appendix, large intestine of humans.
2.Eggs with immature larvae pass out with feces.
3.Larvae in eggs complete its development in soil.
4.Embryonated egg is then ingested.
5.Eggs hatch in the small intestine.
6.Larvae penetrate intestinal villi
7.Larvae return to the intestinal lumen, migrate to the caecum and mature.
Where does t.trichiura mature?
caecum
Principal clinical manifestation of t.trichiura may be evident through symptoms such as:
1.
2.
1.diarrhea
2.severe dysentery with blood depending on the intensity of infection
Most infectious manifestation of t.trichuiria is _______.
A.symptomatic
B.asymptomatic
B.asymptomatic
In heavy infection trichuris may cause ______ especially in children.
rectal prolapse
Heavy infections are characterized by chronic profuse mucus and bloody diarrhea with abdominal pains and edematous prolapsed rectum.
The ______ part of the Trichuris trichiura is embedded in the ______.
C. anterior end; intestinal mucosa
How can t.trichiura infection be diagnosed?
Demonstration of characteristic egg in feces
Sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy to show adult worms.
What is the treatment for t.trichiura?
mebendazole (vermox) given daily for 4 days or 6 days in heavy infection.
loperamide hydrochloride (imodium) for diarrheic
Ways to prevent and control infection.
1.Prevent contamination of soil with human feces.
2.Construction of latrines (a toilet or outhouse, especially a communal one in a camp or barracks.)
3.Washing hands before eating (children, soil worker)
4.Washing vegetables and fruits
5.Do not use the night soil as fertilizer
Infection rates of trichuris trichiura are lower in children and increases as age increases. TRUE or FALSE
True.
Unlike ascaris which is more prevalent in age es 5-9, T.Trichiura occurs more in children 5-15 years old. This is due to the long life span of the adult worms which accumulate in the body thru constant exposure in endemic areas.
