Whipworm Flashcards
1
Q
What is the whipworm species?
A
Trichuris trichiura
2
Q
Who does whipworm mainly affect?
A
5-15yr olds
3
Q
How is whipworm contracted?
A
Ingestion of embryonated eggs
4
Q
Where do the adult whipworms reside?
A
Caecum
5
Q
What are the symptoms of a whipworm infection?
A
Mainly asymptomatic If large worm burden then: Dysentery and failure to thrive Anaemia Rectal prolapse
Common co-infection with other worms
6
Q
How do you diagnose whipworm?
A
Unembryonated eggs in stool
Adult worms seen on colonoscopy or on prolapsed rectum
7
Q
How do you treat whipworm?
A
PO mebendazole
