Whipworms live in the large intestine and whipworm eggs are passed in the feces of infected persons. If the infected person defecates outside near bushes, in a garden, or field or if human feces as used as fertilizer, eggs are deposited on soil. They can then mature into a form that is infective. Whipworm infection is caused by ingesting eggs. This can happen when hands or fingers that have contaminated dirt on them are put in the mouth or by consuming vegetables or fruits that have not been carefully cooked, washed or peeled.
People infected with whipworm can suffer light or heavy infections. People with light infections usually have no symptoms. People with heavy infections can experience frequent, painful bowel movements that contain a mixture of mucus, water, and blood.
Rectal prolapse when the rectum sags and comes out of the anus can also occur. Children with heavy infections can become severely anemic and may grow more slowly. The Manual was first published in as a service to the community. Learn more about our commitment to Global Medical Knowledge. This site complies with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information: verify here.
Common Health Topics. Transmission of whipworm infection. Parasitic Infections: Nematodes Roundworms. Test your knowledge. Human immunodeficiency virus HIV infection is a viral infection that progressively destroys certain white blood cells. Untreated, it usually leads to acquired immunodeficiency syndrome AIDS. Transmission of HIV requires contact with bodily fluid that contains the virus or cells infected with the virus.
Which of the following is not a bodily fluid that commonly transmits HIV? More Content. Doctors usually diagnose the infection by identifying eggs in a stool sample. Adequate sanitation and good personal hygiene help prevent spread of the infection.
People acquire the parasite by. Swallowing food contaminated by soil that contains eggs. Transferring eggs from their hands to their mouth after contact with contaminated soil. Mild whipworm infections often cause no symptoms. As any dog owner who has had to deal with parasites knows, an ounce of prevention really is worth a pound of cure. Humans have their own species of whipworm, called Trichuris trichiura , that is spread through human feces. Luckily for us, it is so rare for humans to get whipworms from dogs that the Companion Animal Parasite Council does not consider dog whipworms to be a zoonotic threat.
This does not mean that you should not take precautions like wearing gloves and washing your hands when handling infected dog poop, as there are other harmful organisms besides dog whipworms that can potentially harm humans especially young children , and even a small chance of contracting whipworms from your dog is enough to warrant caution. If you suspect your dog might have whipworms or some other intestinal parasite, contact your veterinarian immediately.
The symptoms of whipworms in dogs could also be a sign of a more serious condition. Compare Breeds Compare up to 5 different breeds side by side. Dog Name Finder Browse our extensive library of dog names for inspiration. Find out the best and worst foods for your dog and which to avoid. Additional Resources AKC. Clubs Offering: Training Classes. Whipworms in Dogs: Symptoms, Treatment and Prevention.
By Anna Burke Jun 07, 4 Minutes. Jun 07, 4 Minutes. What Are Whipworms? Whipworm Lifecycle Owners can help prevent and treat intestinal parasites like whipworms by learning about the whipworm life cycle. Symptoms of Whipworms in Dogs Not all dogs show signs of whipworm infections, especially in the early stages.
Diagnosing Whipworms in Dogs Veterinarians diagnose whipworms in dogs by taking a stool sample and examining it under a microscope. How Are Whipworms Treated? How to Prevent Whipworms in Dogs Despite being one of the most common intestinal parasites found in dogs, whipworms are far less common today than they used to be, thanks to preventatives.
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