Trichuris

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PARASITES
TRICHINELLOIDEA



  • Also known as the "whipworm"
    • Derives its name from its characteristic whiplike shape

Species

  • Trichuris vulpis - dog whipworm
  • Trichuris campanula (Europe) and Trichuris serrata (North America) - cat whipworms.
    • Are quite rare.
  • Trichuris suis - pig whipworm

Life Cycle

  • Faeco-oral spread
  • Eggs become infective after 10-14 days in soil.
  • Larvae hatch in small intestine.
    • Grow and moult.
  • Finally take up resisidence in large intestine.
    • I.e. NO tissue migratory phase.

Clinical

  • Adult buries its thin anterior half into the intestinal mucosa and feeds on tissue secretions (not blood).
    • The caecum and colon are the most commonly infected sites.
    • Causes eosinophilia.
  • Signs may include: