Whipworms are parasitic roundworms of the species Trichuris trichiura that infect a child’s intestinal tract. About two million Americans are affected, primarily children. The eggs of these worms are remarkably hardy and may resist freezing.

Cause

Whipworm infestation occurs when a child comes in contact with or ingests whipworm eggs in fecalcontaminated soil. Whipworms are small worms about one or two inches long that can live in the intestines for up to 20 years. Once the eggs hatch, the whipworm embeds itself into the mucous membrane. While the worms live in the large intestine and the appendix, they may infest the colon as well.

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Traveler’s Diarrhea is type of diarrhea that results from eating or drinking water contaminated with feces while traveling in other countries. Up to half of all Americans who visit the tropics pick up traveler’s diarrhea (or “Montezuma’s revenge”) or, in Spanish-speaking countries, “turista.”

Areas of high risk include the developing countries of Africa, the Middle East, and Latin America.Traveler’s diarrhea is more common in younger people. The risk of infection varies depending on where the child eats, from a low risk (in private homes) to high risk (food from street vendors).

Cause

Most traveler’s diarrhea is caused by a special strain of the common intestinal bacteria ESCHERICHIA COLI.Other bacteria responsible for SALMONELLA POISONING and SHIGELLOSIS can also cause diarrhea, as can the parasitic conditions of GIARDIASIS and amebiasis.

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