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TrichinosisDefinitionTrichinosis is an infection due to the roundworm Trichinella spiralis. Alternative NamesTrichiniasis; TrichinellosisCausesTrichinosis is a disease caused by eating undercooked meat, which contains cysts of Trichinella spiralis. Trichinella spiralis can be found in pork, bear, fox, rat, horse, and lion meat. Wild animals, especially carnivores (meat eaters) or omnivores (animals that eat both meat and plants), should be considered a possible source of roundworm disease. Domestic meat animals raised specifically for eating under USDA guidelines and inspection can be considered safe. Trichinosis is a common infection worldwide, but it is seldom seen in the United States because of strict rules regarding the feeding of domestic animals and meat-processing inspections. When a person eats meat from an infected animal, Trichinella cysts break open in the intestines and grow into adult roundworms. The roundworms produce other worms that move through the gut wall and into the bloodstream. These organisms tend to invade muscle tissues, including the heart and diaphragm (the breathing muscle under the lungs). They can also affect the lungs and brain. There are approximately 40 cases of trichinosis each year in the United States. Symptoms
Exams and TestsThe patients may have a history of having eaten rare or uncooked pork. Tests to diagnose this condition include:
TreatmentMebendazole or albendazole can be used to treat infections in the intestines. There is no specific treatment for trichinosis once the larvae have invaded the muscles. Pain killers can help relieve the muscle soreness. Outlook (Prognosis)Most people with trichinosis have no symptoms and their infection is self-limited (resolves on its own). More severe infections may be more difficult to treat, especially if the lungs, the heart, or the brain is involved. Possible Complications
When to Contact a Medical ProfessionalCall your health provider if you have symptoms suggestive of trichinosis and a recent history of eating undercooked or raw meat that might have been contaminated. PreventionPork and meat from wild animals should be cooked until well done. Freezing at subzero temperatures (Fahrenheit) for 3 to 4 weeks will kill the organism. Smoking, salting, or drying meat are not reliable methods of preventing this infections.
Review Date:
10/9/2006 Reviewed By: D. Scott Smith, M.D., MSc, DTM&H, Chief of Infectious Disease & Geographic Medicine, Kaiser Redwood City, CA & Adjunct Assistant Professor, Stanford University. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. © 1997-
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