Neglected Tropical Diseases

The NTD Initiative

Whipworm (Trichuris trichiura or Trichocephalus trichiuris)

The human whipworm (Trichuris trichiura [T. trichiura] or Trichocephalus trichiuris), is the third most common roundworm found in humans. The name "whipworm" refers to the shape of the worm; the worms look like whips with wider "handles" at the posterior end. There are an estimated 800 million people infected worldwide.1 It is also highly prevalent in children. Co-infection of whipworm with Giardia, Entamoeba histolytica, Ascaris lumbricoides, and hookworm is common.2

 

Learn more about whipworm:

• Epidemiology
• Symptoms
• Life Cycle of T. trichiura
• Diagnosis
• Treatment, Prevention, and Control
  
  

 

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References

1. Bundy DAP, Cooper ES: Trichuris and trichuriasis in humans. Adv Parasitol 28:107, 1989.
2. World Health Organization: Prevention and control of schistosomiasis and soil transmitted helminthiasis. Report of a WHO expert committee, WHO Technical Report Series 912. Geneva, World Health Organization, 2002.