Trichinosis - Symptoms & Treatment

Trichinosis is a food-borne disease caused by a microscopic parasite. It is caused by eating raw or undercooked meat of animals infected with the larvae of a species of worm called Trichinella . Infection occurs commonly in certain wild carnivorous (meat-eating) animals but may also occur in domestic pigs. Humans are infected incidentally when they eat inadequately cooked meat containing larvae of Trichinella species. Most infestations are asymptomatic, although heavy exposure can cause various clinical manifestations, including diarrhea, fever, myalgias, and prostration. Animals such as pigs, dogs, cats, rats and many wild animals (including fox, wolf and polar bear) may harbor the parasite. Although 8 species of Trichinella currently exist, only 5 species are described taxonomically on the basis of genetic, biochemical, and biological data. When humans eat infected pork that has been improperly cooked, they become infected.

Improperly cooked wild animal meat may also be responsible for infecting humans. person to person spread does not occur. Larvae that reach the heart muscle are usually killed by the intense inflammatory reaction they provoke. Symptoms from the larval invasion usually do not start for 7 to 15 days. The soreness is often most pronounced in the muscles used to breathe, speak, chew, and swallow. Many people have no symptoms at all. Sometimes, diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and a slight fever begin 1 to 2 days after eating contaminated meat. symptoms of trichinosis vary, depending on the number of invading larvae, the tissues invaded, and the general physical condition of the person. Certain muscles, such as those in the tongue and around the eyes, and between the ribs, are most often infected. Symptoms of trichinosis are muscle pain, weakness, fever, muscle soreness, and swelling of the upper eyelids.

Causes of Trichinosis

Common causes of Trichinosis

• Trichinella.
• T spiralis.
• Trichinella britovi.
• Trichinella nelsoni.
• T nativa.
• Trichinella pseudospiralis.

Symptoms of Trichinosis

Common Symptoms of Trichinosis

• Nausea.
• Heartburn.
• Indigestion.
• Diarrhea
• Headaches
• Fevers.
• Chills.
• Cough.
• Swelling.
• Aching joints.
• Muscle pains.

Treatment of Trichinosis

Common Treatment of Trichinosis

• Administer albendazole (5 mg/kg/d for 1 wk), mebendazole (5 mg/kg/d for 1 wk), or thiabendazole (25 mg/kg/d for 1 wk).
• The most effective treatment modalities are bed rest, analgesics, and antipyretics.
• Anthelmintic therapy has no proven role at this stage. Albendazole appears to be marginally effective and mebendazole less so. A trial of albendazole is justified in severe or prolonged infections. Avoid thiabendazole at this stage because of its adverse effect profile.
• Prednisone at 50 mg/d can be used in severe infections, especially if hemodynamic instability or involvement of the central nervous, cardiac, or pulmonary systems is present.
• Steroids may decrease inflammation but may also hinder the eradication of the adult worm, resulting in a prolonged production of larvae.

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