What is Microbiology - Trichuris Trichiura Infection

​Trichuris trichiura infection

Trichuris trichiura is a form of nematode roundworm / whipworm which present in the intestine. 

Trichuris trichiura can be detected by stool examination which may reveal the present of barrel shaped eggs with plug at each end. 

Transmission is via ingestion of eggs from soil which is contaminated with human feces. Trichuris trichiura infection may be spread if human feces is used as fertilizer.

Good personal hygiene and proper human waste disposal is required to prevent the spread of trichuris trichiura infection.

Larvae will hatch in the small intestine after ingestion of eggs and spread to the colon. Larvae will be matured into adult in the colon. 

There will be local case of ulceration after the adult form of trichuris trichiura attaching itself to the colon. 

The symptoms may trichuris trichiuria infection may include anemia ( significant loss of blood), bloody diarrhea, tenesmus, abdominal pain and rectal prolapse. 

The treatment may include albendazole and mebendazole.