II. Epidemiology
- One of the most prevalent human Helminth infections
- Most symptomatic infections occur in school aged children
III. Pathophysiology
- Cylindrical or bullwhip-shaped worm, adult length: 3 to 5 mm
- Transmission
- Human feces contaminated fruits and vegetables
- Slow, simple Life cycle
- Whipworm eggs incubate in moist soil for 3-6 weeks
- Humans ingest food contaminated with Whipworm eggs (Foodborne Illness)
- Larvae emerge from eggs in the ascending colon (esp. cecum) and mature into adults
- Whipworms are limited to the host's intestinal tract (no systemic infection or Eosinophilia)
- Adult Whipworm produces eggs, which are passed in feces, and contaminate soil
- Adult worms may produce thousands of eggs each day for >1 year
- No autoinfection or direct transmission between hosts (eggs mature in soil for 3-6 weeks)
IV. Symptoms
- Usually asymptomatic
- Diarrhea
- Colitis
- Abdominal Pain (may be similar to Appendicitis pain)
V. Labs
- Eosinophilia is ABSENT (infection is limited to the host's intestinal tract)
-
Stool Exam
- Barrel or football shaped eggs with small nubs on each end
VI. Management
VII. Complications: Untreated Infection (endemic regions)
- Digital Clubbing
- Growth retardation
- Rectal Prolapse
VIII. References
- Gladwin, Trattler and Mahan (2014) Clinical Microbiology, Medmaster, Fl, p. 362-81
- Schonau (2024) Am Fam Physician 109(6): 569-70 [PubMed]