Trichuris trichiura
Trichuris trichiura, commonly known as the whipworm, is a parasitic worm that infects the human intestine. It is characterized by its long, thin body that resembles a whip, with a thicker end that anchors it to the intestinal wall. The whipworm is transmitted through ingestion of contaminated soil or food, often in areas with poor sanitation.
Infection with Trichuris trichiura can lead to a condition called trichuriasis, which may cause symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, and anemia. The whipworm primarily affects children in tropical and subtropical regions, where hygiene practices are inadequate. Treatment typically involves antiparasitic medications to eliminate the infection.