Trichuris trichiura (T. trichiura) is soil-transmitted parasite and widely spreads all over the world. High infection rates occur especially in the poor hygiene area. T. trichiura is transmitted by the water and food contaminated with T. trichiura eggs. Most of mildly infected individuals could be asymptomatic, whereas heavily infected patients manifest with anemia, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and weight loss. Serious manifestations such as intestinal obstruction and perforation were reported to be caused by Trichuriasis. Diagnostic methods are stool examination of T. trichiura eggs and eosinophil count in blood. Sometimes, colonoscopy can be useful diagnostic tool and treatment. We observed that the North Korean refugee with chronic abdominal pain and the patient with abdominal pain and loose stool have been diagnosed as T. trichiura infection confirmed by colonoscopy. After treatment, the patient's symptom has improved. Therefore we report two cases of trichuriasis with literature review.

Citations

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Background
: The causes of eosinophilia are allergies, parasite infections, medications, skin diseases, and others. But, the etiologies of eosinophilia and variables associated with eosinophilia are not well known in Korea.

Methods : This study included patients in a health check up at a general hospital from May 21, 1995 until February 14, 2004. Through self-report, serology, and stool exam, variables associated with eosinophilia were tested.

Results : In the eosinophilic group, 5% were helminth infected, and more of C. sinensis infection were found the eosinophilic group with 3.9% compared to the non- eosinophilic group with 1.2% (P＜0.05) Associated variables with eosinophilia were old age, high BMI, drinking, smoking, the season of testing helminth infections, and Clonorchiasis infection. But allergy was not associated with eosinophilia. The odds ratios for eosinophilia after adjustment were 2.280 (1.694∼3.068) in helminth infections and 2.391 (1.716∼3.331) in Clonorchiasis infection.

Conclusion : In the eosinophilic group, 5% were helminth infected, and more C. sinensis infection was found. Associated variables with eosinophilia were old age, high BMI, drinking, smoking, the season of testing, helminth infections, and Clonorchiasis infection. But allergy was not associated with eosinophilia.