Introduction

Trichuris trichiura, more commonly known as the whipworm, has a cosmopolitan distribution, but is more common in tropical climates particularly where Ascaris and Hookworm are found.

Life cycle

Clinical Disease

Most infections due to this nematode are light to moderate with minimal or no symptoms.  However, a heavy worm burden may result in mechanical damage to the intestinal mucosa due to the adult worm being threaded into the epithelium of the caecum.  Abdominal cramps, tenesmus, dysentery and prolapsed rectum may occur in these cases.

Laboratory Diagnosis

The adult worms of Trichuris trichiura are rarely seen in the faeces since the head portion of the worm is thin and is embedded in the mucosa.  The posterior end is much thicker and lies free in the lumen of the large intestine.  The female measures 35 - 50mm long and the male 30 - 45 mm long. 

The microscopic examination of stool deposits after concentration reveals the oval, bile stained ova with bipolar plugs.  They measure 50 - 54m by 20 - 23m.

An adult of Trichuris trichiura

An ovum of Trichuris trichiura