From Colonoscope to Microscope: the Diagnosis of Trichuris Trichiura

Abstract

Soil Transmitted Helmenthiasis (STH) is a major public health problem in the developing countries. Trichuriasis is one of the common prevalent parasitic infestations in the tropical and sub-tropical countries across the globe incuding India. However, there has been a steady decline of STH in the last five years where there has been success of albendazole with Mass Drug Administration (MDA) in National Filariasis Control Program andKerala state has been one of them. We report a case of whipworm infection that was incidentally diagnosed by colonoscopy where repeated stool microscopy was uncontributory. The worm can be overlooked, particularly if colon preparation is not good.