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{{Whipworm infection (patient information)}}
{{Whipworm infection (patient information)}}
'''For the WikiDoc page for this topic, click [[Whipworm infection|here]]'''


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==Overview==
==Overview==
Whipworm infection is an infection of the large intestine with a type of roundworm.
Whipworm infection is an infection of the large intestine with a type of roundworm.

Revision as of 21:15, 7 December 2012

Whipworm infection

Overview

What are the symptoms?

What are the causes?

Diagnosis

When to seek urgent medical care?

Treatment options

Where to find medical care for Whipworm infection?

Prevention

What to expect (Outlook/Prognosis)?

Whipworm infection On the Web

Ongoing Trials at Clinical Trials.gov

Images of Whipworm infection

Videos on Whipworm infection

FDA on Whipworm infection

CDC on Whipworm infection

Whipworm infection in the news

Blogs on Whipworm infection

Directions to Hospitals Treating Whipworm infection

Risk calculators and risk factors for Whipworm infection

For the WikiDoc page for this topic, click here

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Aditya Govindavarjhulla, M.B.B.S. [2]

Overview

Whipworm infection is an infection of the large intestine with a type of roundworm.

What are the symptoms of Whipworm infection?

Symptoms range from mild to severe. Sometimes, there are no symptoms. A severe infection may cause:

What causes Whipworm infection?

Whipworm infection is caused by the roundworm, Trichocephalus trichiura. It is a common infection that mainly affects children.

Children may become infected if they swallow soil contaminated with whipworm eggs. When the eggs hatch inside the body, the whipworm sticks inside the wall of the large intestine.

Whipworm is found throughout the world, especially in countries with warm, humid climates. Some outbreaks have been traced to contaminated vegetables (believed to be due to soil contamination).

Diagnosis

A stool examination for ova and parasites reveals the presence of whipworm eggs.

When to seek urgent medical care?

Seek medical attention if you or your child develop bloody diarrhea. In addition to whipworm, there are many other infections and illnesses that can cause similar symptoms.

Treatment options

Mebendazole taken by mouth for 3 days is commonly prescribed when the infection causes symptoms. Albendazole is used as an alternative therapy.

Where to find medical care for Whipworm infection?

Directions to Hospitals Treating Condition

Prevention

Improved facilities for feces disposal have decreased the incidence of whipworm. Always wash your hands before handling food. Thoroughly washing food may also help prevent this condition.

What to expect (Outlook/Prognosis)?

Full recovery is expected with treatment.

Sources

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/001364.htm


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