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This article is still under construction. |
| Also known as: | whipworm |
==Overview ==ave a direct lufe cycle, moving directly into the definitive host from the infecive L1 egg stage. The Trichuris worms are so called due to their characteristic whipe like structure. They have a broad posterior end tapering to a long and narrow neck which is inserted into the caecal mucosa. They have a direct lufe cycle, moving directly into the definitive host from the infective L1 egg stage. Once ingested the larva is freed from the egg casing and forms a mucosal nodule in which to develop before emreging into the lumen of the gastointestinal system.
- Eggs are brown, barrel-shaped, with a plug at either end, and can survive for up to 12 years
- The infective stage is the embryonated egg.
- The life-cycle is direct
Characteristics
Eggs The eggs of Trichuris species are brown in colour and are bioperculated (have a plug in each end). They are hardy eggs and in the correct coonditions can survive on pasture for up to 12 years. Larvae adult
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:
- Diarrhoea
- Anemia
- Dehydration