Whipworm infection natural history, complications and prognosis

	Whipworm infection Microchapters
Home
Patient Information
Overview
Historical Perspective
Classification
Pathophysiology
Causes
Differentiating Whipworm Infection from other Diseases
Epidemiology and Demographics
Risk Factors
Screening
Natural History, Complications and Prognosis
Diagnosis
History and Symptoms
Physical Examination
Laboratory Findings
Electrocardiogram
Chest X Ray
CT
MRI
Echocardiography or Ultrasound
Other Imaging Findings
Other Diagnostic Studies
Treatment
Medical Therapy
Surgery
Primary Prevention
Secondary Prevention
Cost-Effectiveness of Therapy
Future or Investigational Therapies
Case Studies
Case #1
Whipworm infection natural history, complications and prognosis On the Web
Most recent articles
Most cited articles
Review articles
CME Programs
Powerpoint slides
Images
American Roentgen Ray Society Images of Whipworm infection natural history, complications and prognosis All Images X-rays Echo & Ultrasound CT Images MRI
Ongoing Trials at Clinical Trials.gov
US National Guidelines Clearinghouse
NICE Guidance
FDA on Whipworm infection natural history, complications and prognosis
CDC on Whipworm infection natural history, complications and prognosis
Whipworm infection natural history, complications and prognosis in the news
Blogs on Whipworm infection natural history, complications and prognosis
Directions to Hospitals Treating Whipworm infection
Risk calculators and risk factors for Whipworm infection natural history, complications and prognosis

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]

Overview

Whipworm infection in majority of people causes no clinical symptoms, but a severe infection can cause abdominal pain, diarrhea, constipation, weight loss, and anemia. If left untreated, severe infection can result in Trichuris dysentery syndrome associated with heavy infection. Complications of heavy whipworm infection include chronic dysentry, rectal prolapse and growth retardation. Prognosis is excellent with anti helminthic treatment and complete recovery occurs in 1 to 2 weeks.

Natural History, Prognosis and Complications

Natural History

Whipworm infection in majority of people causes no clinical symptoms, but a severe infection can cause abdominal pain, diarrhea, constipation, weight loss, and anemia.^[1] If left untreated, severe infection can result in Trichuris dysentery syndrome associated with heavy infection. It presents with features of chronic dysentery, rectal prolapse, anaemia, poor growth, and clubbing of the finger nails.^[2]

Complications

In patients with heavy infection, following complications may develop:^[2]

Chronic dysentery
Rectal prolapse
Growth retardation
Anemia
Malnutrition

Prognosis

Prognosis of trichiariasis is excellent with anti helminthic treatment. All the patients recover completely with treatment.

References

↑ Tokmak N, Koc Z, Ulusan S, Koltas IS, Bal N (2006). "Computed tomographic findings of trichuriasis". World J Gastroenterol. 12 (26): 4270–2. PMC 4087392. PMID 16830393.
↑ ^2.0 ^2.1 Stephenson, L.S.; Holland, C.V.; Cooper, E.S. (2001). "The public health significance of Trichuris trichiura". Parasitology. 121 (S1): S73. doi:10.1017/S0031182000006867. ISSN 0031-1820.

Template:WH Template:WS

[pmid16830393-1] Tokmak N, Koc Z, Ulusan S, Koltas IS, Bal N (2006). "Computed tomographic findings of trichuriasis". World J Gastroenterol. 12 (26): 4270–2. PMC 4087392. PMID 16830393.

[StephensonHolland2001-2] 2.0 ^2.1 Stephenson, L.S.; Holland, C.V.; Cooper, E.S. (2001). "The public health significance of Trichuris trichiura". Parasitology. 121 (S1): S73. doi:10.1017/S0031182000006867. ISSN 0031-1820.

[1]

[2]