Trichuris trichiura: Difference between revisions
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'''Trichuris trichiura''' | {{Short description|A parasitic roundworm of the human large intestine}} | ||
{{Taxobox | |||
| name = Trichuris trichiura | |||
| image = Trichuris_trichiura,_male.jpg | |||
| image_caption = Male ''Trichuris trichiura'' | |||
| image2 = Trichuris_trichiura,_female.jpg | |||
| image2_caption = Female ''Trichuris trichiura'' | |||
| regnum = [[Animalia]] | |||
| phylum = [[Nematoda]] | |||
| classis = [[Enoplea]] | |||
| ordo = [[Trichocephalida]] | |||
| familia = [[Trichuridae]] | |||
| genus = ''[[Trichuris]]'' | |||
| species = '''''T. trichiura''''' | |||
| binomial = ''Trichuris trichiura'' | |||
| binomial_authority = ([[Linnaeus]], 1771) | |||
}} | |||
'''''Trichuris trichiura''''', commonly known as the human whipworm, is a parasitic [[roundworm]] that infects the large intestine of humans. It is responsible for the disease known as [[trichuriasis]]. | |||
== | ==Description== | ||
''Trichuris trichiura'' is characterized by its whip-like shape, with a long, slender anterior end and a thicker posterior end. The male and female worms differ in size, with males measuring approximately 30-45 mm in length and females being slightly larger at 35-50 mm. | |||
==Life Cycle== | |||
The life cycle of ''Trichuris trichiura'' begins when embryonated eggs are ingested by a human host. The eggs hatch in the small intestine, releasing larvae that mature and migrate to the large intestine. Here, they embed in the mucosa and develop into adult worms. The adult worms produce eggs that are passed in the feces, continuing the cycle. The entire life cycle is depicted in the image below: | |||
[[File:Trichuris_trichiura_Life_Cycle.tif|thumb|center|500px|Life cycle of ''Trichuris trichiura'']] | |||
==Pathology== | |||
Infection with ''Trichuris trichiura'' can lead to trichuriasis, which is often asymptomatic in light infections. However, heavy infections can cause abdominal pain, diarrhea, and rectal prolapse. The worms can cause damage to the intestinal wall, leading to inflammation and secondary infections. | |||
==Diagnosis== | |||
Diagnosis of trichuriasis is typically made by identifying the characteristic eggs in stool samples. The eggs are lemon-shaped with bipolar plugs, as shown in the image below: | |||
[[File:Trichuris_trichiura_eggs,_including_HE_stain.jpg|thumb|center|500px|''Trichuris trichiura'' eggs, including H&E stain]] | |||
==Treatment== | ==Treatment== | ||
Treatment for | Treatment for trichuriasis usually involves the use of anthelmintic medications such as [[albendazole]] or [[mebendazole]]. These medications are effective in reducing worm burden and alleviating symptoms. | ||
==Prevention== | ==Prevention== | ||
Preventive measures include improving sanitation and hygiene practices to reduce fecal contamination of soil and water. Educating communities about the importance of handwashing and proper disposal of human waste can help prevent the spread of infection. | |||
== | ==Related pages== | ||
* [[ | * [[Trichuriasis]] | ||
* [[ | * [[Nematode]] | ||
* [[Parasitic | * [[Parasitic worm]] | ||
==References== | |||
[ | * Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2023). ''Trichuris trichiura''. Retrieved from [https://www.cdc.gov/parasites/whipworm/index.html] | ||
[ | * World Health Organization. (2023). ''Trichuriasis''. Retrieved from [https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/soil-transmitted-helminth-infections] | ||
[[Category:Parasitic nematodes of humans]] | |||
[[Category:Trichuridae]] | |||
Revision as of 23:52, 9 February 2025
A parasitic roundworm of the human large intestine
Trichuris trichiura, commonly known as the human whipworm, is a parasitic roundworm that infects the large intestine of humans. It is responsible for the disease known as trichuriasis.
Description
Trichuris trichiura is characterized by its whip-like shape, with a long, slender anterior end and a thicker posterior end. The male and female worms differ in size, with males measuring approximately 30-45 mm in length and females being slightly larger at 35-50 mm.
Life Cycle
The life cycle of Trichuris trichiura begins when embryonated eggs are ingested by a human host. The eggs hatch in the small intestine, releasing larvae that mature and migrate to the large intestine. Here, they embed in the mucosa and develop into adult worms. The adult worms produce eggs that are passed in the feces, continuing the cycle. The entire life cycle is depicted in the image below:
Pathology
Infection with Trichuris trichiura can lead to trichuriasis, which is often asymptomatic in light infections. However, heavy infections can cause abdominal pain, diarrhea, and rectal prolapse. The worms can cause damage to the intestinal wall, leading to inflammation and secondary infections.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis of trichuriasis is typically made by identifying the characteristic eggs in stool samples. The eggs are lemon-shaped with bipolar plugs, as shown in the image below:
Treatment
Treatment for trichuriasis usually involves the use of anthelmintic medications such as albendazole or mebendazole. These medications are effective in reducing worm burden and alleviating symptoms.
Prevention
Preventive measures include improving sanitation and hygiene practices to reduce fecal contamination of soil and water. Educating communities about the importance of handwashing and proper disposal of human waste can help prevent the spread of infection.
