Trichuris trichiura Flashcards
(23 cards)
What is the common name for Trichuris trichiura?
Whipworm
What type of organism is Trichuris trichiura?
A soil-transmitted helminth (STH)
What is the diagnostic stage of Trichuris trichiura?
Embryonated Egg
What is the infective stage of Trichuris trichiura?
Egg in stool
What is the mode of transmission (MOT) for Trichuris trichiura?
Ingestion
Where do larvae hatch after ingestion of Trichuris trichiura eggs?
In the small intestine
Where do adult Trichuris trichiura worms reside?
In the colon
How long can adult Trichuris trichiura live if untreated?
4-8 years
How many eggs can an adult female Trichuris trichiura lay per day?
Approximately 3,000 to 10,000 eggs
What is the epidemiological significance of Trichuris trichiura?
Considered the third most common helminth, found primarily in warm climates with poor sanitation.
Who is at risk for contracting T. trichiura?
Children and those in psychiatric hospitals
What are the clinical symptoms of Trichuriasis?
Asymptomatic, abdominal tenderness, weight loss, weakness, mucoid or bloody diarrhea
What can heavy infections of Trichuris trichiura cause?
Chronic dysentery, severe hypochromic anemia, and possible growth retardation
What is a common complication of heavy Trichuris trichiura infection?
Increased rectal prolapse
What is one method of using feces as a fertilizer?
Defecating directly into the soil.
What is a key practice for preventing infection?
Exercising proper sanitation practices.
What is important for the treatment of infected persons?
Prompt treatment of infected persons.
What medications are alternatives for treatment?
Mebendazole or albendazole.
What may be visible on macroscopic exam?
Adult worms may be visible.
What method is used for identifying eggs?
Kato-Katz method for identifying the Cure Rate.
What is the specimen of choice for laboratory diagnosis?
Specimen of choice is stool (DFS/Kato-thick).
What are prominent in infected samples?
Eggs are prominent in infected samples.
What flotation method is used in laboratory diagnosis?
Flotation using zinc-sulfate.
