WHIPWORMS
- Whipworms are named for their characteristic whip-shaped body. The body is composed of a thin, filamentous, anterior end (the “lash” of the whip) and a thick posterior end (the “handle” of the whip). Adult worms are 4.5- to 7.5-cm long. Approximately 75% of their length is composed of the anterior (lash) portion of the whipworm (see image on right).
- Eggs are football or barrel-shaped and yellow-brown, with prominent bipolar end plugs and a smooth shell.
- Eggs are approximately 79 by 38 μm (link to image). They must be distinguished from eggs of Eucoleus spp. andPearsonema spp., which are smaller and have a rough surface (see Lungworm Guidelines and Urinary Nematode Guideline).
Here is a link to learn more about the infection Trichuriasis and Whipworm:
http://www.cdc.gov/parasites/whipworm/
Below is a video showing a whipworm on the surface of a colon.