Whipworm infection epidemiology and demographics

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Aravind Kuchkuntla, M.B.B.S[2], Syed Hassan A. Kazmi BSc, MD [3]

Trichuris trichiura is the third most common nematode worldwide following Ascaris and Enterobius; in total, the three infections affect approximately 1 billion people. Whip worm infection is endemic in tropical and subtropical countries. The prevalence of Trichuris trichiura is high, affecting 95% of children in countries where protein energy malnutrition and anemia are prevalent.

• Worldwide, the total number of people infected with Trichuris trichiura in the year 2002 was 1 billion.^[1]
• In the USA, the prevalence of Trichuris trichiura is 100 per 100,000 individuals.^[2]

• Worldwide, the prevalence of Trichuris trichiura is high, affecting 95% of children in countries where protein energy malnutrition and anemia are prevalent.^[3]

• Trichuris trichiura is the third most common nematode worldwide following Ascaris and Enterobius; in total, the three infections affect approximately 1 billion people.

• Trichuris trichiura is more common among school-aged children compared to adults.^[4]

• There is no gender predilection for infection with Trichuris trichiura.

• There is no racial predilection for infection with Trichuris trichiura.

• Trichuriasis occurs in the southern United States.

• Whip worm infection is endemic in tropical and subtropical countries.^[5]
• Incidence and prevalence rates are highest in children living in sub-Saharan Africa, followed by Asia, then Latin America and the Caribbean.^[6][7]
• Worldwide, infections are more frequent in areas with tropical weather and poor sanitation practices.^[8]

Template:WH Template:WS