The Brain and Spine Institute is made up of experts in the field of neuroscience in order to bring patients the best healthcare in East Tennessee for a full range of neurological diseases and disorders.
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Centers of Excellence
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We provide a comprehensive continuum of cancer services, including prevention, outreach, diagnostic, treatment and support services delivered by our highly skilled staff with compassion and care.
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The Center for Women & Children's Health is a hub for supporting women's and children's individual healthcare needs. The center provides support, research and unmatched patient-centered care.
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Emergency and Trauma Services is the only Level I Trauma Center in the area and serves as the tertiary referral center for medical care in East Tennessee, serving Knox County and 21 surrounding counties.
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The Heart Lung Vascular Institute brings together expertise in clinical care, teaching and research. Patients receive exceptional healthcare combined with patient-centered care.
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Whipworm infection
Definition
Whipworm infection is an infection of the large intestine with a type of roundworm.
Alternative Names
Trichuriasis
Causes, incidence, and risk factors
Whipworm infection is caused by the roundworm, Trichocephalus trichiura. It is a common infection that mainly affects children.
Children may become infected if they swallow soil contaminated with whipworm eggs. When the eggs hatch inside the body, the whipworm sticks inside the wall of the large intestine.
Whipworm is found throughout the world, especially in countries with warm, humid climates. Some outbreaks have been traced to contaminated vegetables (believed to be due to soil contamination).
Symptoms
Symptoms range from mild to severe. Sometimes, there are no symptoms. A severe infection may cause:
- Bloody diarrhea
- Fecal incontinence (during sleep)
Signs and tests
A stool ova and parasites exam reveals the presence of whipworm eggs.
Treatment
Mebendazole taken by mouth for 3 days is commonly prescribed when the infection causes symptoms. Albendazole is used as an alternative therapy.
Support Groups
Expectations (prognosis)
Full recovery is expected with treatment.
Calling your health care provider
Seek medical attention if you or your child develop bloody diarrhea. In addition to whipworm, there are many other infections and illnesses that can cause similar symptoms.
Prevention
Improved facilities for feces disposal have decreased the incidence of whipworm.
Always wash your hands before handling food. Thoroughly washing food may also help prevent this condition.
References
Maguire JH. Intestinal nematodes (roundworms). In: Mandell GL, Bennett JE, Dolin R, eds. Principles and Practice of Infectious Diseases. 7th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Elsevier Churchill Livingstone; 2009:chap 287.
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