Alternative Names & Classifications:
Trichuriasis (CLINICAL), Whipworm Infection (CLINICAL)
Description
Whipworm eggs are ingested from contaminated food or water, hatching in the small intestine and eventually establishing mature adult infections in the cecum and ascending colon. The thread-like anterior portions of the worms burrow aggressively into the intestinal mucosa, effectively stitching themselves to the host. This can lead to severe gastrointestinal inflammation, chronic blood loss, and developmental delays in heavily infected children.