ADVERTISEMENTS:
The below mentioned article provides a short note on Trichuris Trichiura (Whipworm).
Morphology of Trichuris Trichiura (Whipworm):
The male adult worm (Fig. 109.5) is brown in colour and resembles a whip with a handle. Its posterior end of the male (Fig. 109.6)is coiled with protruding spicule, whereas that of female (Fig. 109.7) is rounded. The eggs (Fig. 109.8) of T. trichiuria is barrel shaped and mucoid plugs Life cycle.
ADVERTISEMENTS:
Man gets infected by swallowing the fully embryonated egg containing the rhabditiform larva which is infective to man. The egg shell is digested in the small intestine of man. The liberated larva gets attached for nourishment, to the small intestine and passes down to the caecum to become adult worm which lays eggs, found later in the faeces.
Clinical features of Trichuris Trichiura (Whipworm):
The common symptoms are abdominal pain, vomiting, constipation, abdominal distension and systemic intoxication. The skin is dry and the patient is emaciated. The clinical picture is similar to that of hook worm disease, appendicitis or dysentery. In the laboratory, the characteristic egg of T. trichuris can be demonstrated in the patient’s stool.
ADVERTISEMENTS:
Treatment of Trichuris Trichiura (Whipworm):
Dithiazamine iodide, thiabendazole and mebendazole are effective. Very recent antihelminthic Albendazole (Chewable single dose) is most effective.
Prophylaxis:
Proper disposal of faeces, thorough cleaning of hands, before meals; children not allowed to defecate on the ground, avoiding putting dirty fingers into mouth and consumption of properly cooked vegetables are the effective measures.
