Intestinal Parasites- the Genus Trichuris

The type of worm commonly known as the "whip worm" belongs to the genus TRICHURIUS, and is a common parasite both among humans and animals. This genus is composed of at least 60 seperate species that primarily prey upon mammals, with some being more common than others.

Whipworms are named for their whip-like appearance, and are transmitted primarily through the ingestion of larvae and eggs on infected foods such as fruits and vegetables. The larvae, when ingested, migrate into the large intestine and the cecum where they fasten to the intestinal walls and feed upon the host's blood. In addition to eating larvae, the host may also have ingested the eggs of the whipworm, which will hatch in approximately 3 months if not completely expelled from the intestinal tract.

There are many symptoms that will indicate a whipworm infestation. The first of these signs is abdominal infalmmation caused by the inflammation of the intestine. In addition to this, a mucus will be passed from the anus due to the increased mucoidal secretions produced by the injured intestines. An infestation will also most likely cause diahrrea, and in severe cases, intestinal adhesion to the abdominal cavity. In these cases, the animal will continuously lick their sides in discomfort. These parasites are known to cause severe anemia, diahrrea, and dysentery in mammals. In addition to these problems, children with large infestations have been noted to become mentally retarded. As with many worm types, the species T. trichiura and T. vulpis are communicable to humans, so extreme care should be taken while handling infested animals.

Whipworms may be eliminated by the use of medication wormers such as fenbendazol. The table below (borrowed from http://peteducation.com) shows wormers and doses for the specific types.

Treatments for Gastrointestinal Parasites
Ingredient(s)	Example	Range of Efficacy*	Species	Minimum Age/Weight
dichlorophene/toulene	Triple Wormer	R,H,T,F	D,C	> or = 2.5 lbs
dichlorvos	Task	R,H,T,F	D,C	> or = 2.5 lbs
diethylcarbamazine citrate	Filaribits	R	D,C	none
febantel/praziquantel	RM Parasiticide-10	R,H,W,T,F	D,C	> or = to 2 lbs
febantel/praziquantelpyrantel pamoate	Drontal Plus	R,H,W,T,F,E	D	> or = to 3 weeks or 2 lbs
febendazole	Panacur	R,H,W,T	D	none
ivermectinpyrantel pamoate	Heartgard Plus	R,H	D	> or = 6 weeks
mebendazole	Telmintic	R,H,W,T	D	none
milbemycin oxime	Interceptor	R,H,W	D	> or = 8 weeks
n-butyl chloride	Happy Jack Worm Capsules/Sergeants Puppy Worm Capsules	R,H	D,C	> or = 4 weeks
oxibendazole/diethylcarbamazine	Filaribits Plus	R,H,W	D	> 8 weeks and > 1 lb
piperazine salts	Happy Jack Kennel Wormer/Sergeants Worm Away	R	D,C	> or = 6 weeks
pyrantel pamoate	Nemex-2 /PROWormer-2	R,H	D	> or = 2 weeks
pyrantel pamoatepraziquantel	Drontal	R,H,T,F	C	> or = 4 weeks > or = 1.5 lbs

*Efficacy for intestinal helminths: R= Roundworms H= Hookworms W= Whipworms T= Taeniid tapeworms F= Flea tapeworms E= Echinococcus granulosus tapeworms

Species: D= Dogs C= Cats > means greater than