Trichinella spiralis is a parasitic roundworm that causes trichinosis, a disease contracted primarily by consuming undercooked or raw meat, particularly pork and wild game, that contains the larvae of the parasite. Once ingested, the larvae are released into the stomach and mature into adult worms in the intestines. The adult females then release new larvae, which migrate through the bloodstream and eventually embed in muscle tissue, where they encyst and remain viable for years. This invasion into the muscles can cause significant symptoms, depending on the parasite load and the body’s immune response.
Trichinosis manifests with a variety of symptoms that range from mild to severe. Early symptoms include gastrointestinal issues like diarrhea, nausea, and abdominal pain, followed by more systemic symptoms as the larvae migrate to the muscles. These include muscle pain, fever, swelling of the face and eyes, and, in severe cases, complications such as myocarditis (inflammation of the heart), encephalitis (brain inflammation), or pneumonia. Treating Trichinella spiralis involves antiparasitic medications like albendazole or mebendazole, which help to reduce the worm burden, along with supportive therapies for muscle pain and inflammation. Preventative measures include proper cooking of meats, which significantly reduces the risk of infection, and food safety practices in meat processing.
