II. Epidemiology
- One of the most prevalent human Helminth infections
- Most symptomatic infections occur in school aged children
III. Pathophysiology
- Cylindrical nematode that lives within the cecum
- Length: 3 to 5 mm
- Transmission
- Human feces contaminated fruits and vegetables
IV. Symptoms
- Usually asymptomatic
- Diarrhea
- Colitis
- Abdominal Pain (may be similar to Appendicitis pain)
V. Signs
- Barrel shaped eggs on stool exam
VI. Management
- Mebendazole (no longer available as of 2012)
- Albendazole
VII. Complications: Untreated Infection (endemic regions)
- Digital Clubbing
- Growth retardation
- Rectal Prolapse