Trichuris trichiura egg
Trichuris trichiura egg


Whipworm infection

Alternative Names:
Trichuriasis

Treatment:
Oral treatment with mebendazole for 3 days is commonly used in symptomatic infections. Another anti-parasitic agent (albendazole) can be used as an alternative therapy.

Expectations (prognosis):
Full recovery is expected with treatment.

Complications:

In severe cases, dehydration and anemia from bloody diarrhea can occur. Rarely, rectal prolapse can also occur.



Calling your health care provider:
Seek medical attention if you or your child develop bloody diarrhea. In addition to whipworm, there are many other infections and illnesses that may show themselves in similar manner and require further investigation.


Review Date: 8/7/2002
Reviewed By: Camille Kotton, M.D., Infectious Diseases Division, Massachusetts General Hospital and Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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