Cited by 151Helminth infection and controlParasitic infections in humans and animalsParasites and Host Interactions

The DOI matches its Crossref record; 80 of the 82 references it cites were found in a registry or an index; 5 of the 169 sources its claims cite were checked for support.

Are we paying too much attention to cardio-pulmonary nematodes and neglecting old-fashioned worms like Trichuris vulpis?

Open access
Traversa, Donato·2011·Parasites & Vectors

Abstract

Trichuris vulpis, the dog whipworm, causes an intestinal parasitosis of relevance in current canine veterinary practice. Its occurrence is well-known in pets, kennelled dogs and stray animals, and its eggs contaminate the ground in urban areas all over the world. Moreover, T. vulpis has been occasionally incriminated, though not convincingly substantiated, as a cause of zoonosis. This nematode is erroneously considered an "old-fashioned" pathogen with a consequent lack of up- to- date knowledge on several aspects of the infection. These, in turn, are still controversial and need to be studied in greater depth. This article reviews current knowledge of T. vulpis, together with a discussion of critical points in epidemiology, zoonotic hazard, diagnosis and treatment of canine trichurosis.

Overview

AI snapshot

Written from the paper’s full text.

TL;DR

This narrative review argues that *Trichuris vulpis*, the canine whipworm, remains an under-recognized and under-studied intestinal parasite despite its global distribution and high prevalence in dogs. It critically examines controversial aspects of epidemiology, zoonotic potential, diagnosis, and treatment, and calls for updated surveys and better integration of whipworm control with emerging cardio-pulmonary nematode prevention.

Key findings

  • *T. vulpis* is globally distributed and can reach high infection rates: up to 15–30% in kennelled dogs in the USA, Belgium, and Holland; ~2.6–3% in older companion-dog surveys in Great Britain and Greece versus ~10–30% in more recent studies in Greece, Argentina, and France; and up to 60% in stray dogs.
  • Its zoonotic potential is debated: human patent infections have mostly been diagnosed by egg size, but adult worms from presumed *T. vulpis* infections have been re-identified as *T. trichiura* shedding abnormal eggs; the paper concludes *T. vulpis* cannot currently be included among zoonotic canine parasites until unequivocal DNA-based identification in human samples is provided.
  • Diagnosis is challenging because prepatency is about 8–12 weeks, egg shedding can be intermittent, and eggs of *T. vulpis* (about 70–90 μm by 30–40 μm) resemble those of *Eucoleus*/*Capillaria* species; repeated faecal examinations and flotation with solutions >1.20–1.35 specific gravity are recommended.
  • Treatment requires repeated administration: at least three monthly treatments are advised because larvae take about three months to mature; emodepside plus praziquantel showed nearly 100% efficacy, moxidectin/imidacloprid spot-on ~97–100%, milbemycin oxime ~96–99%, and milbemycin associations 99.6–100%, yet a Swiss survey found a 22% yearly incidence of *T. vulpis* despite quarterly febantel/pyrantel/praziquantel treatment.

Methods

  • Narrative review article synthesizing current knowledge on *T. vulpis* epidemiology, zoonotic hazard, diagnosis, and treatment/control.
  • Data sources include published literature and Table 1, which compiles surveys from the last decade in different Italian regions on *T. vulpis* eggs in privately owned dogs, kennelled dogs, and environmental samples, alongside unpublished 2009–2010 data from Central Italy.
  • Main analysis is a critical discussion of gaps and controversies rather than a systematic review or primary experimental study.

Limitations

  • Stated in the paper: no extensive epidemiological studies focusing on canine trichurosis have been undertaken in recent years; available distribution data are markedly heterogeneous; zoonotic potential remains uncertain and not definitively established; diagnostic approaches have limitations.
  • Evident from the text: this is a narrative review, not a systematic review, and it relies partly on unpublished data, conference proceedings, and heterogeneous surveys, so prevalence figures are not directly comparable across settings.
  • Evident from the text: the article does not present new primary data or a formal meta-analysis, and several treatment and prevalence claims are drawn from cited studies rather than independently re-analyzed.

Model-written summary. Check it against the paper before relying on it.

Integrity signals

Registry

Crossref · 10.1186/1756-3305-4-32

Cites

80 of 80 references verified0 citation errors · 0 not checkable

Statistics

Nothing to recompute.

Figures

Figure 1 Trichuris vulpis adult specimen.
Figure 1 Trichuris vulpis adult specimen.CC BY · PubMed Central
Figure 2 Floatation with zinc sulphate: Trichuris vulpis egg.
Figure 2 Floatation with zinc sulphate: Trichuris vulpis egg.CC BY · PubMed Central
Figure 3 Floatation with zinc sulphate: Capillaria aerophila egg.
Figure 3 Floatation with zinc sulphate: Capillaria aerophila egg.CC BY · PubMed Central
Figure 4 Floatation with zinc sulphate: mixed infection by Capillaria aerophila (A) and Trichuris vulpis (B).
Figure 4 Floatation with zinc sulphate: mixed infection by Capillaria aerophila (A) and Trichuris vulpis (B).CC BY · PubMed Central
Figure 5 Map showing key examples on the occurrence of Trichuris vulpis, Dirofilaria immitis and Angiostrongylus vasorum in European countries.
Figure 5 Map showing key examples on the occurrence of Trichuris vulpis, Dirofilaria immitis and Angiostrongylus vasorum in European countries.CC BY · PubMed Central

Verification

Claims the paper makes

72 Not checked yet · 28 No basis given · 19 Own interpretation · 2 Partly supported · accuracy not yet measured

Verify all 164 references — free account

Show all 73 claims

  • It may state two separate claims as one. 31
  • Probably not a substantial claim. 26
48 of 48
  • The authors state this as an assumption.

    T. vulpis can infect human beings.

    “If one assumes that T. vulpis can infect human beings, the potential public hazard may be concrete in cases of close-contact between humans and companion animals and/or with environmental eggs.”
  • The paper relies on this without support.

    Larval and adult stages of T. vulpis lack susceptibility to some common canine anthelmintics.

    “The lack of susceptibility of larval and adult stages of T. vulpis to some common canine anthelmintics makes the choice of the molecule to be used absolutely crucial.”
  • The paper relies on this without support.

    Ivermectin is licensed to prevent canine infection by D. immitis but not angiostrongylosis, and to treat infections with hookworms and ascarids, but not with T. vulpis.

    “Ivermectin is licensed to prevent canine infection by D. immitis but not angiostrongylosis, and to treat infections with hookworms and ascarids, but not with T. vulpis.”
  • The paper relies on this without support.

    Trichuris vulpis eggs are highly resistant and long-lived, representing a major barrier for controlling trichurosis, especially when they contaminate soil in shady and damp areas.

    “The high resistance and longevity of T. vulpis eggs represent a major barrier for controlling trichurosis, especially when they contaminate soil in shady and damp areas.”
  • The paper relies on this without support.

    Environmental nematode eggs, including those of T. vulpis, may remain infective even in the coldest months of the year.

    “environmental nematode eggs, including those of T. vulpis, may remain infective even in the coldest months of the year”
  • The paper relies on this without support.

    Trichuris vulpis has been incriminated as a zoonotic nematode but never ultimately demonstrated to be so.

    “Trichuris vulpis has been incriminated as a zoonotic nematode but never ultimately demonstrated to be so”
6 of 6

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Citations

Cites

Research works printed but not linked: 16

  1. Bowman DD: Georgi's Parasitology for Veterinarians. 2002, Saunders Company, 7
  2. Bowman DD: Toxocara canis and Trichuris vulpis - Common dog parasites. Central Veterinary Conference Proceedings. 2009
  3. Wagner ED: Observations on "large" Trichuris eggs in man. Proc Helminthol Soc Wash. 1979, 46: 155-157.
  4. Franc M, Cadiergues MC, Marchand A, Bourdoiseau G, Bussieras J: Intestinal parasitism in dogs and cats. Results of an epidemiological survey in France. Rév Méd Vét. 1997, 148: 247-250.
  5. Crespo M, Rosa F, Morgado M, Ferreirinha D, Cerejo A, Madeira M: Intestinal Parasites in Dogs from the Center-west of Portugal. Proceedings of the11th International Congress of Parasitology (ICOPA XI). 2006, Glasgow, Scotland, 311-314.
  6. Georgieva D, Ivanov A, Prelesov P: Studies on the parasitic fauna in stray dogs in the Stara Zagora region. Bulg J Vet Med. 1999, 2: 121-124.
  7. Poglayen G, Giannetto S, Macrì B, Garippa G, Scala A, Cambosu C, Giangaspero A, Paoletti B, Montauti AE, Traldi G, Habluetzel A: Canine zoonosis by enviromental faecalization. Proceedings of the XXI SoIPa Congress. 2000, Padova, Italy, 220-
  8. Lia R, La Montanara C, Leone N, Pantone A, Llazari A, Puccini V: Canine helminthic fauna and environmental faecalization in the town of Bari. Proceedings of the XXII SoIPa Congress. 2002, Torino, Italy, 92-
  9. Genchi M, Ferroglio T, Traldi G, Passera S, Mezzano G, Genchi C: Fecalizzazione ambientale e rischio parassitario nelle città di Milano e Torino. Professione Veterinaria. 2007, 40: 17-18. (in Italian)
  10. Zanzani S, Di Cerbo AR, Musella V, Rinaldi L, Maghenzani C, Mandredi MT: Environmental faecalization in Milan, northern Italy: prevalence of canine intestinal parasites and evaluation of health risk. Proceedings of the XXVI SoIPa Congress. 2010, Perugia, Italy, 342-
  11. Perrucci S, Glorioso A, Tarantino C: Parassitosi nei canili e nei gattili. Obiettivi e Documenti Veterinari. 2001, 22: 37-40.
  12. Blagburn B: The elusive whipworm, Trichuris vulpis. Supplement to NAVC Clinician's Brief. 2008, 1-4.
  13. Bowman DD: Respiratory System Parasites of the Dog and Cat (Part I): Nasal Mucosa and Sinuses, and Respiratory Parenchyma. Companion and Exotic Animal Parasitology, International Veterinary Information Service. 2000
  14. Anonymous: Evaluation of the Effectiveness of a Combination of Imidacloprid and Moxidectin against Natural Infections with Trichuris vulpis in Dogs. 2006, Freedom of information summary, Advantage Multi for dogs, NADA 141- 251, Federal Drug Administration, 25-27.
  15. EMEA: Advocate Public Assessment report 2009WC500060915. 2009, 44-45.
  16. European Scientific Counsel Companion Animal Parasites: Worm Control in Dogs and Cats. ESCCAP Guidelines. 2010, 2

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Metadata

Authors
Traversa, D.
Affiliations
University of Teramo (IT)
Corresponding author
Traversa, Donato
Venue
Parasites & Vectors
Published
2011-03-08
Volume
4
Issue
1
Pages
32-32
ISSN
1756-3305 (ISSN-L)
OpenAlex
W2160934224
Cited by
148
References
82
Citations by year
2026: 10 · 2025: 8 · 2024: 11 · 2023: 12 · 2022: 19 · 2021: 13 · 2020: 6 · 2019: 5 · 2018: 8 · 2017: 9 · 2016: 6 · 2015: 17 · 2014: 8 · 2013: 8 · 2012: 8
FWCI
1.51
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Locations
  • Parasites & Vectors (publishedVersion, cc-by)
  • PubMed Central (publishedVersion, cc-by)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
  • DOAJ (DOAJ: Directory of Open Access Journals) (submittedVersion, cc-by-sa)
  • UniTERAMO Research Catalog (University of Teramo) (submittedVersion)
Topics
  • Life Sciences › Immunology and Microbiology › Parasitology › Helminth infection and control
  • Life Sciences › Immunology and Microbiology › Parasitology › Parasitic infections in humans and animals
  • Life Sciences › Immunology and Microbiology › Parasitology › Parasites and Host Interactions
Keywords
Trichuris vulpis, intestinal nematodes, zoonoses, diagnosis, treatment, stray dogs
MeSH terms
Animals, Anthelmintics, Dog Diseases, Dogs, Trichuriasis, Trichuris, Zoonoses

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