Trichuris vulpis
Synonym(s): T. vulpis; Whipworm
Introduction
Classification
Taxonomy
- Class: Nematode
- Order: Trichocephalida
- Superfamily: Trichuridae
- Genus: Trichuris.
- Species: Vulpis, campanula.
Distribution
- Infection is sporadic in GB.
- Quite common in Australia, especially in urban environments (60% prevalence in stray dogs in Sydney, 19% prevalence in greyhounds in Victoria). Also found in dingoes and foxes.
- Can be seen more commonly in a high proportion of kennelled dogs and those on soil runs in the south of the country.
- A common parasite of rural and urban dogs in subtropical and tropical countries, reaching 10-50% prevalence.
- Average prevalence of 14.3% throughout USA (4.4% in western states; highest in southeastern states at 20%).
Significance
- In GB, infections commonly light and asymptomatic, sporadic clinical outbreaks in kenelled environments.
- Most infections in USA are also asymptomatic, but heavy clinical infestations are seen in young and very old adults.
- Disease most common in dogs more than 12-18 months of age.
- Moderate infections have a chronic course of episodes of diarrhea and diarrheic or firm feces that may be streaked with blood or mucus, accompanied by weight loss.
- Heavy infections induce severe hemorrhagic diarrhea Diarrhea: parasitic, anemia and dehydration.
- Occasionally, of considerable clinical significance as a cause of typhlitis.
- Also associated with hyperkalemia and hyponatremia in some cases.
Active Forms
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Resting Forms
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Clinical Effects
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Diagnosis
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Further Reading
Publications
Refereed papers
- Recent references from PubMed and VetMedResource.
- Bauer C, Taubert A & Hermosilla C (1999) Efficacy of two flubendazole formulations against Trichuris vulpis in naturally infected dogs. Vet Rec 145 (2), 48 PubMed.
- Blagburn B L, Lindsay D S, Vaughan J L et al (1996) Prevalence of canine parasites based on fecal flotation. Comp Cont Educ Pract Vet 18 (5), 483-509 VetMedResource.
- Campbell B G (1991) Trichuris and other trichinelloid nematodes of dogs and cats in the United States. Comp Cont Ed Pract Vet 13 (5), 769-778 VetMedResource.