Egg of Trichuris trichiura as seen on (10X) objective

Picture Credit: Mr. Saroj Khadka (Medical Microbiologist)

Trichuris trichiura

Picture Credit: Mr. Arjun Thapa (Zoologist)

The egg of Trichuris trichiura, commonly known as the whipworm, is characterized by its distinctive barrel-like shape with polar plugs at both ends. Here's a detailed description of the egg:

Morphology:

• Shape: The egg of Trichuris trichiura is elongated and barrel-shaped.
• Size: Approximately 50 to 55 micrometers in length and 20 to 25 micrometers in width.
• Color: The egg appears brownish-yellow or golden-brown in colour.
• Structure: The egg has thick, robust walls that are characteristic of whipworm eggs. It is often described as having a "barrel" shape due to its elongated appearance.

Polar Plugs:

• Distinctive Feature: At each end of the egg, there are two polar plugs, one at the anterior (opposite the embryo) and one at the posterior end.
• Function: The polar plugs play a role in protecting the egg and facilitating its attachment to the host's intestinal mucosa during infection.

Clinical Significance:

• Trichuris trichiura is a parasitic worm that infects the human gastrointestinal tract, particularly the large intestine.
• Infection occurs through the ingestion of embryonated eggs from contaminated food, water, or soil.
• Trichuriasis, the infection caused by Trichuris trichiura, can lead to symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhoea, bloody stools, and anaemia, particularly in severe cases.

Diagnosis:

• Diagnosis of trichuriasis is typically made by identifying Trichuris trichiura eggs in stool samples using microscopy.
• The distinctive barrel-shaped eggs with polar plugs help distinguish them from eggs of other intestinal parasites.

Treatment and Prevention:

• Treatment of trichuriasis usually involves anthelmintic medications such as albendazole, mebendazole, or ivermectin.
• Prevention measures include improved sanitation, hygiene practices, and the avoidance of ingestion of contaminated food, water, or soil.

In summary, the egg of Trichuris trichiura is characterized by its elongated barrel shape with polar plugs at both ends. Identification of these distinctive eggs in stool samples is crucial for the diagnosis of trichuriasis, a parasitic infection of the human gastrointestinal tract.