Colonoscopic diagnosis of whipworm infection

Trichuriasis is an intestinal infection found in human beings which is caus ed by Trichuris trichiura, more commonly known as whipworm because of its w hip-like appearance. It is characterized by the invasion of the colonic muc osa by the adult Trichuris and produces minor inflammatory changes at the s ites of localization. It is prevalent throughout the world, especially in t ropical areas. Its diagnosis is usually made by identification of the typic al eggs in the stool; adult whipworm is rarely seen during colonoscopy. Col onoscopy can directly diagnose trichuriasis, confirming the threadlike form of worms with an attenuated end. The worms can be overlooked, particularly if colon preparation is imperfect. Attenuated whip-like ends of whipworms, which are embedded in the colonic mucosa, were removed with biopsy forceps . We report on 5 cases of whipworm infection that were diagnosed on total c olonoscopy.