Infestation with the roundworm Trichuris trichiura, called the human whipworm; also called trichuriasis. In the United States, whipworm infestations occur in some southern states. The eggs of the roundworms are found in the soil and are transmitted to humans when food or a person’s hands come in contact with contaminated soil and the worms are ingested. Adult whipworms infest the human colon, where the females then lay their eggs.
These are slender, whip-like worms measuring between 2.5 to 5 cm in length. They inhabit the human large intestine and their infestation can occur globally, with the highest prevalence seen in tropical regions. A mild infestation typically does not produce any symptoms, but a severe infestation can lead to abdominal pain, diarrhea, and occasionally, anemia, as a small amount of the host’s blood is consumed daily.
Diagnosis is established by detecting eggs in the stool. Treatment involves the use of anthelmintic medications, such as mebendazole. In cases of severe infestation, multiple treatment courses may be necessary.