Clinical Features:
Most frequently asymptomatic.  Heavy infections, especially in small children, can cause gastrointestinal problems (abdominal pain, diarrhea, rectal prolapse) and possibly growth retardation.

Laboratory diagnosis:
Microscopic identification of whipworm eggs in feces is evidence of infection.  Because eggs may be difficult to find in light infections, a concentration procedure is recommended.  Because the severity of symptoms depend on the worm burden, quantification of the latter (e.g. with the Kato-Katz technique) can prove useful.

Diagnostic findings

• Microscopy
• Morphologic comparison with other intestinal parasites

Examination of the rectal mucosa by proctoscopy (or directly in case of prolapses) can occasionally demonstrate adult worms.

Treatment:
Mebendazole is the drug of choice, with albendazole as an alternative.  See recommendations in The Medical Letter for complete information.