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Whipworm infection - Treatment

Alternative Names

Trichuriasis

Treatment:

Mebendazole taken by mouth for 3 days is commonly prescribed when the infection causes symptoms. Albendazole is used as an alternative therapy.

Expectations (prognosis):

Full recovery is expected with treatment.

Calling your health care provider:

Seek medical attention if you or your child develop bloody diarrhea. In addition to whipworm, there are many other infections and illnesses that can cause similar symptoms.

Trichuris trichiura egg

Reviewed last on: 9/28/2008
Jatin M. Vyas, PhD, MD, Instructor in Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Assistant in Medicine, Division of Infectious Disease, Massachusetts General Hospital. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

References

Kazura JW. Nematode infections. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007: chap 378.

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