The complication of trichuriasis ranges from mild to severe. Sometimes, patients are asymptomatic . However, at times the adult worms buried its anterior half (thread like part) into intestinal mucosa to feed on tissue excreation,leading to tissue irritation and invasion of colon.
Besides that,dysentery and mild abdominal tenderness and pain will also results from invasion of adult worm. Rectal prolapsed is seen in severe cases.
Irritation to cecum area in trichuriasis can lead to the occurrence of tenesmus.In addition to that, mechanical blockage of appendiceal lumen by masses of whipworm can cause acute appendicitis.Seepage of blood at site of invasion about 0.05ml per worm daily ,in the long run, will lead to chronic blood loss with presentation of fatigue,syncope and finger clubbing.
As an overall complication, stunted growth is common in peoples with heavy trichuriasis infection
