An incidental colonoscopy: finding Trichuris trichiura: a case report and review of literature

Trichuris trichiura commonly referred to as whipworm, has a world-wide distribution, particularly countries with warm, humid climates. This parasite is reported from nearly one quarter of the world population, especially from less developed countries. Poor hygiene conditions are associated with trichuris transmission, usually this infection remains asymptomatic in human but heavy infection can lead to chronic bloody diarrhoea associated with complications like rectal prolapsed, appendicitis, proctitis. Very few cases of extensive trichuriasis have been reported world-wide. Usually, diagnosis is confirmed by detection of eggs in stool sample. This case report deals with a patient of trichuriasis, who was diagnosed by detection of the parasite on colonoscopy. Thus, colonoscopy might be a useful diagnostic tool, especially in symptomatic patients who are infected by only few male worms with no eggs in the stool. Hence cannot be diagnosed by conventional methods.