A :
B :
C :
D :
E :
F :
G :
H :
I :
J :
K :
L :
M :
N :
O :
P :
Q :
R :
S :
T :
U :
V :
W :
X :
Y :
Z
Trichuriasis
Medical Questions » Trichuriasis
| Name: Trichuriasis |
| Also known as: Whipworm Infestation |
| Infestation of the large intestine with the 3 to 5 cm. long worm Trichuris. |
Causes of Trichuriasis
Adult whipworms live in the colon and produce eggs which pass out with the faeces to contaminate the soil. If contaminated food or water is consumed the eggs will hatch in the small intestine to form larvae that then migrate to the large intestine and mature into adult worms. The cycle takes a minimum of three months and adult worms may live for three years. They are found throughout the tropics. |
Symptoms of Trichuriasis
Most patients have no symptoms, but with severe infestations abdominal pain, loss of appetite and diarrhoea may occur. |
Tests for Trichuriasis
Diagnosed by finding the eggs on microscopic examination of the faeces. |
Treatment for Trichuriasis
Effectively treated by the drug mebendazole.
|
Complications of Trichuriasis of its treatment
Badly infested children may have bloody diarrhoea and become malnourished. |
Likely Outcome of Trichuriasis
Treatment is very effective. |
|
|
