Whipworm infection history and symptoms

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Aravind Kuchkuntla, M.B.B.S [2]

Overview

Symptoms of patients with moderate to heavy whipworm infection include weight loss, bloody diarrhea, abdominal pain, tenesmus, and rectal prolapse.

History

Patients with whipworm infection may present with the following history:

Recent travel to or currently living in an area of known infestation
Living in close proximity to water sources
Poor personal hygiene
Low socioeconomic status

Symptoms

The majority of patients with light trichuriasis infection are asymptomatic. Patients with moderate to heavy infection present with the following symptoms:^[1]

References

↑ Diniz-Santos DR, Jambeiro J, Mascarenhas RR, Silva LR (2006). “Massive Trichuris trichiura infection as a cause of chronic bloody diarrhea in a child”. J Trop Pediatr. 52 (1): 66–8. doi:10.1093/tropej/fmi073. PMID 16000342.

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[pmid16000342-1] Diniz-Santos DR, Jambeiro J, Mascarenhas RR, Silva LR (2006). “Massive Trichuris trichiura infection as a cause of chronic bloody diarrhea in a child”. J Trop Pediatr. 52 (1): 66–8. doi:10.1093/tropej/fmi073. PMID 16000342.

[1]