In contrast, adult Trichuris are much smaller and are embedded in the mucosa of the large intestine, which can make chemoexpulsion less efficient and expelled worms more difficult to spot. Adult Ascaris worms are large and can be readily collected from infected individuals through chemoexplusion. One possible explanation for this paucity of publications could be the difficulty in obtaining parasite material.

Despite the prevalence and undoubted public health importance of human trichuriasis, the number of studies published on the genetics and phylogeography of the Trichuris parasite is limited, especially when compared to the giant roundworm Ascaris which has similar epidemiological characteristics. It has been estimated that trichuriasis contributes 0.64 million disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) to the global burden of disease. Medium to heavy infections are generally associated with chronic morbidities including dysentery, abdominal pathology, stunting and wasting and reduced cognitive capacity, all of which can significantly perturb child development. Infections are particularly prevalent among children living in communities where hygiene and sanitation are poor.

Trichuris is a highly prevalent soil-transmitted helminth (STH) infection, with an estimated 465 million people infected worldwide. Human trichuriasis is a neglected tropical disease caused by the whipworm parasites of the genus Trichuris.

Betson large figures