Trichuris trichiura
![](https://parasiteguide.libbymitchell.dcreate.domains/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/image002-1.png)
Morphological Characteristics
Adults are 3-5 cm long and females are longer than males. The whip-like end of the body is the part of the worm that threads into the colon.
Identification Methods
Eggs are identified in a stool sample using microscopy.
Life Cycle
- Unembryonated eggs are passed through human stool to soil
- In the soil, the eggs develop to a 2-cell stage
- Still in the soil, they continue developing to an advanced cleavage stage (Many cells)
- The eggs are now able to embryonate. These eggs are ingested either by hand to mouth contact or from food items which were fertilized with infected manure
- Eggs hatch in the small intestine and release larvae
- Mature adults are established in the colon so that females can begin to shed their eggs
*Life span ~ 1 year
HOST INFORMATION
- Soil is the resevoir
- Humans are the definitive hosts, but can be transmitted to monkeys and lemurs
- Level of infection/susceptibility varies based on genetic factors in the host
- School children have higher prevalence of whipworm- likely due to increased exposure to contaminated soil
- Warm, damp soil is the best medium for egg development and transmission to human host
- Prevalent among impoverished and marginalized tropical populations
- These parasites exist worldwide, but when eggs are excrecrated into sewage they do not continue their life cycle since they need soil to survive
GEOGRAPHICAL DISTRIBUTION
Whipworm infection is common in areas with tropical weather where access to sanitation and personal hygiene practice is not available. Infection also occurs in the southern United States.
SOURCES
https://www.cdc.gov/parasites/whipworm/biology.html
https://www.waterpathogens.org/book/trichuris-trichiura%C2%A0
http://web.stanford.edu/group/parasites/ParaSites2010/Diana_Hamilton/DianaHamiltonTrichuriasis.htm