Whipworm infection is an infection of the large intestine with a type of roundworm.
Intestinal parasite - whipworm; Trichuriasis; Round worm - trichuriasis
Whipworm infection is caused by the roundworm Trichuris 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. Some outbreaks have been traced to contaminated vegetables (believed to be due to soil contamination).
Most people who have whipworm infections don't have symptoms. Symptoms mainly occur in children, and range from mild to severe. A severe infection may cause:
The drug albendazole is commonly prescribed when the infection causes symptoms. A different anti-worm medicine may also be prescribed.
Full recovery is expected with treatment.
Seek medical attention if you or your child develop bloody diarrhea. In addition to whipworm, many other infections and illnesses can cause similar symptoms.
Improved facilities for feces disposal have decreased the incidence of whipworm.
Always wash your hands before handling food. Teach your children to wash their hands, too. Thoroughly washing food may also help prevent this condition.
Bogitsh BJ, Carter CE, Oeltmann TN. Intestinal nematodes. In: Bogitsh BJ, Carter CE, Oeltmann TN, eds. Human Parasitology. 5th ed. San Diego, CA: Elsevier Academic Press; 2019:chap 16.
Dent AE, Kazura JW. Trichuriasis (Trichuris trichiura). In: Kliegman RM, Stanton BF, St. Geme JW, Schor NF, eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 20th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2016:chap 293.