Whipworm

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A whipworm, also known as trichuriasis, infects the large intestine. This worm, which resembles a whip, measures up to 5cm long and its anterior half is thinner than its posterior half.

Causes

• Trichuris trichiura

Signs and symptoms

• Abdominal pain
• Painful or frequent defecation
• Sudden and unexpected weight loss
• Headache
• Bloody diarrhoea
• Nausea
• Vomiting

Investigations

• Stool microscopy for whipworms or whipworm eggs

Treatment objectives

• Eliminate worms
• Treat or prevent complications
• Ensure proper hygiene

Pharmacological treatment

First line treatment

Mebendazole, oral

Adult:

100 mg every 12 hours for 3 days 

OR

500 mg as single dose

Child:

1-17 years: 100 mg every 12 hours for 3 days

OR

500mg as a single dose

 

Second line treatment

Albendazole, oral

Adult:

400 mg as a single dose

Child:

2 years and above: 400 mg as a single dose

1 year to less than 2 years: 200 mg as a single dose