Trichuriasis: the clinical picture - abstract

ABSTRACT

Human trichuriasis is a disease of clinical importance. This study reaffirms its status as such, highlighting the spectrum of manifestations presenting in individuals with Trichuris dysentery syndrome. Individuals with and without the syndrome, having in common a history of bloody, mucoid diarrhoea, were compared. Thirty-one patients (age range 2-10 years) were admitted to the Tropical Metabolism Research Unit. Anthropometry was preceded by full history and physical examination. The cause of dysenteric symptoms in each case was determined by stool analyses and colonscopy. Twenty-six of the patients had colitis secondary to massive Trichuris trichuriura infection. Worm burden was assessed by antihelminthic expulsion following colonoscopy. We present data (Table) from which an index of the diagnostic likelihood of Trichuris dysentery syndrome can be derived. When one or more of the symptoms are present in a child with over 3 months' history of diarrhoea, a diagnosis of the disease, confirmable by stool examination, and suitable antihelminthic treatment are indicated (AU)