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Textbook
Introduction
1. Anatomy
2. Microbiology
2.1 General bacteriology
2.2 Introduction to systemic bacteriology
2.3 Gram positive cocci
2.4 Gram negative cocci
2.5 Gram positive bacilli
2.6 Gram negative bacilli
2.7 Other important bacteria
2.8 Virology
2.9 Parasitology
2.9.1 Entamoeba histolytica
2.9.2 Acanthamoeba
2.9.3 Naegleria fowleri
2.9.4 Giardia lamblia
2.9.5 Cryptosporidium parvum
2.9.6 Trichomonas
2.9.7 Plasmodium spp.
2.9.8 Babesia
2.9.9 Toxoplasma gondii
2.9.10 Taenia
2.9.11 Hymenolepis nana
2.9.12 Enterobius vermicularis
2.9.13 Trichuris
2.9.14 Trichinella
2.9.15 Ascaris
2.9.16 Hookworms
2.9.17 Strongyloides
2.9.18 Additional information
2.10 Mycology
3. Physiology
4. Pathology
5. Pharmacology
6. Immunology
7. Biochemistry
8. Cell and molecular biology
9. Biostatistics and epidemiology
10. Genetics
11. Behavioral science
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2.9.13 Trichuris
Achievable USMLE/1
2. Microbiology
2.9. Parasitology

Trichuris

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Trichuris

Trichuris trichiura is a helminth (whipworm). Infection is acquired by ingesting eggs from contaminated food, water, or hands. In the USA, cases are seen in southern states.

Adult worms live in the colon. Infection can be light or heavy:

  • Light infection is typically asymptomatic.
  • Heavy infection presents with frequent, painful passage of stool containing a mixture of mucus, water, and blood. Rectal prolapse can also occur.

In children, heavy infection can lead to severe anemia, growth retardation, and impaired cognitive development.

Diagnosis is made by identifying eggs in stool samples after concentration methods. The eggs are barrel-shaped with projecting mucus plugs at both ends. Sometimes, adult worms can be seen in the stool.

Egg of T. trichiura in an iodine-stained wet mount
Egg of T. trichiura in an iodine-stained wet mount

Trichuris trichiura (whipworm)

  • Helminth acquired by ingesting eggs from contaminated sources
  • Endemic in southern USA

Clinical features

  • Light infection: usually asymptomatic
  • Heavy infection:
    • Frequent, painful stools with mucus, water, blood
    • Possible rectal prolapse
    • In children: severe anemia, growth retardation, cognitive impairment

Diagnosis

  • Identification of barrel-shaped eggs with mucus plugs in stool
  • Eggs detected after concentration methods
  • Occasionally, adult worms visible in stool
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Trichuris

Trichuris

Trichuris trichiura is a helminth (whipworm). Infection is acquired by ingesting eggs from contaminated food, water, or hands. In the USA, cases are seen in southern states.

Adult worms live in the colon. Infection can be light or heavy:

  • Light infection is typically asymptomatic.
  • Heavy infection presents with frequent, painful passage of stool containing a mixture of mucus, water, and blood. Rectal prolapse can also occur.

In children, heavy infection can lead to severe anemia, growth retardation, and impaired cognitive development.

Diagnosis is made by identifying eggs in stool samples after concentration methods. The eggs are barrel-shaped with projecting mucus plugs at both ends. Sometimes, adult worms can be seen in the stool.

Key points

Trichuris trichiura (whipworm)

  • Helminth acquired by ingesting eggs from contaminated sources
  • Endemic in southern USA

Clinical features

  • Light infection: usually asymptomatic
  • Heavy infection:
    • Frequent, painful stools with mucus, water, blood
    • Possible rectal prolapse
    • In children: severe anemia, growth retardation, cognitive impairment

Diagnosis

  • Identification of barrel-shaped eggs with mucus plugs in stool
  • Eggs detected after concentration methods
  • Occasionally, adult worms visible in stool