Trichuris spp

Most of the therapeutic helminth trials to date have used Trichuris suit, the porcine whipworm (Fig. 2). T. suit is closely related to T. trichiura (human whipworm) and can briefly colonize people. Trichuris spp. have unique features that make them good candidates for clinical use. Ingesting microscopic embryonated parasite eggs initiates the colonization. Once ingested each e releases one larva that matures into an adult worm. The larvae and adults do not migrate beyond the intestines. They do not multiply within their host. Freshly deposited ova require incubation in moist soil for one to two months to mature and become infective. Thus, normal hygienic practices preclude transmission of this agent from host to host. 

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