The name whipworm comes from the parasite's long, very thin, whiplike shape. Although the incidence of whipworm infection is high, its intensity is usually light. In the United States, the infection occurs principally in warm, moist climates, most frequently among children. People can get infected by accidentally eating whipworm eggs on their hands or in food or drink. Severe infections in young children can result in serious disease with bloody diarrhea and a condition called rectal prolapse.
Doctors treat whipworm disease most often with mebendazole and albendazole.
Strongyloidiasis The parasitic roundworm called Strongyloides stercoralis mainly infects humans. This parasite has different types of life cycles. One is direct, similar to that of the hookworm. After a short feeding period and development in the soil, the larvae penetrate human skin, enter the blood stream, and pass through the right side of the heart to the lungs. From the lungs, the adolescent parasites go up the windpipe into the mouth, are swallowed, and reach the upper part of the small intestine where they develop into mature worms.