(Whipworm Infection)

Most infected children harbor only small numbers of the organism and are asymptomatic. Children with heavy infestations can develop a Trichuris trichiura dysentery syndrome consisting of abdominal pain, tenesmus, and bloody diarrhea with mucus or a chronic T trichiura colitis. T trichiura colitis can mimic other forms of inflammatory bowel disease and lead to physical growth retardation. Even otherwise asymptomatic infections may have adverse effects on nutritional status. Chronic illness associated with heavy infestation also can be associated with rectal prolapse.