Whipworms in Animals and Humans

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary location of adult whipworms in dogs?

Small intestine

Stomach

Cecum and colon (correct)

Rectum

Which species is the common whipworm found in dogs?

T. serrata

T. campanula

T. vulpis (correct)

T. trichiura

What is the shape and color of whipworm ova?

Oval and orange

Football shaped and yellow-brown (correct)

Round and green

Square and black

How long do embryonated whipworm ova typically take to mature in moist soil?

2 to 4 weeks Signup and view all the answers

What is the prepatent period for whipworms?

3 months Signup and view all the answers

What clinical sign is NOT typically associated with severe whipworm infestations in puppies?

Increased appetite Signup and view all the answers

Which treatment is administered for three consecutive days to control whipworm infestations?

Fenbendazole Signup and view all the answers

Why might whipworm diagnosis be challenging?

Females produce ova intermittently Signup and view all the answers

How resistant are infective whipworm ova in the environment?

They can survive up to 5 years Signup and view all the answers

What is a recommended frequency for checking fecal samples in dogs prone to reinfestation of whipworms?

Every 3 months Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic feature of whipworm larvae after they are ingested?

They hatch in the small intestine through the operculum. Signup and view all the answers

In which part of the United States are whipworms primarily a problem?

Southeastern region due to moist climate. Signup and view all the answers

What role do double opercula play in the life cycle of whipworms?

They are involved in the hatching process of ova. Signup and view all the answers

What is the optimal method for diagnosing whipworm infections?

Fecal flotation with characteristic ova. Signup and view all the answers

What is a common clinical sign in adult dogs with severe whipworm infestation?

Chronic, intermittent diarrhea with bright red blood. Signup and view all the answers

Which treatment for whipworms is given on a monthly basis?

Moxidectin Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best describes the fecal flotation process for whipworm diagnosis?

The solution used can increase the test's sensitivity. Signup and view all the answers

How long can infective whipworm ova survive in the environment?

Up to 5 years. Signup and view all the answers

What is an important prevention strategy for whipworm reinfestation?

Checking fecal samples every 3 months. Signup and view all the answers

Which condition is NOT typically associated with severe whipworm infestations in puppies?

Chronic cough Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Whipworms

Species:
- Trichuris vulpis: Common in dogs
- T. campanula, T. serrata, T. felis: Rare in cats
- T. trichiura: Found in humans
Adults:
- Located in the cecum and colon
- Long, thin cranial end embedded in mucosa; thick caudal end free in intestinal lumen
- Approximately 1.75-3 inches long
Ova:
- Football-shaped, yellow-brown
- Double opercula (polar plugs)
- Unembryonated ova mature to embryonated ova in 2-4 weeks, becoming infective
- Highly resistant to desiccation, surviving up to 5 years
Life Cycle (Direct):
- Adults live in the cecum and colon, producing thousands of unembryonated ova
- Ova are passed in feces
- Embryos develop in 2-4 weeks of moist soil
- Infective ova are ingested
- Larvae hatch in the small intestine; migrate to the large intestine, burrowing into cecum/colon mucosa
- Mature and begin producing their own ova
- Prepatent period: ~3 months
Clinical Signs:
- Mild signs, but severe infestations can cause diarrhea, dehydration, emaciation, and death in puppies
- Adult dogs: Chronic, intermittent diarrhea with bright red blood and mucus ("large bowel diarrhea")
Diagnosis:
- Fecal flotation with characteristic ova
- Perform 1 fecal sample per day for 4 consecutive days to ensure detection of intermittent shedding
- Eggs are heavy (SG ~ 1.15) which requires a 20-minute minimum floatation time for effective diagnosis
- Sheather's solution may improve detection sensitivity
Treatment:
- Fenbendazole (PO, 3 consecutive days, repeated monthly)
- Milbemycin oxime (PO, monthly)
- Moxidectin (topical, monthly)
Environmental Control:
- Regularly pick up feces to allow for disinfection and desiccation
- Use bleach (1%) to kill eggs and larvae
- Steam sterilization kills eggs
Public Health Concerns:
- While T. vulpis infections in humans are documented, the reports lack robust validation to consider it a human zoonotic parasite.

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Description

Test your knowledge on whipworms, including their species, life cycle, and characteristics. This quiz covers Trichuris vulpis, as well as other rare types found in cats and humans. Learn about their structure, reproduction, and infections caused by these parasites.