Suppurative anal cryptitis associated with Trichuris trichiura

The whipworm (Trichuris trichiura) is an occasional finding in anorectal disease. All cases of anorectal discharge should include a test for ova and parasites. Trichuris infestations can be eliminated by the use of mebendazole (Vermox), a specific drug which has almost no side effects. It should be remembered that structural diseases of the anorectum, occurring during an infection such as fissure, fistula, and abscess, may persist after the infection has been cured and usually must be treated surgically.