Trichinella nativa

Background

• Nematode within the genus Trichinella
• Freeze-resistant
• Enzootic in arctic and subarctic regions of North America
• Transmitted by sylvatic carnivores
  • In Canada, particularly by black bears in the north

Clinical Manifestations

• Trichinellosis with biphasic illness
• 3 to 7 days after ingestion, nonbloody watery diarrhea, diffuse abdominal pain, fever, and nausea
• 14 days after ingestion, diffuse myalgia, periorbital edema, fever, and fatigue
  • May have leukocytosis, peripheral eosinophilia, and elevated CK, AST, ALT, and LDH
• May have rash

Management

• Prednisone 0.5 mg/kg PO daily plus mebendazole 400 mg PO tid for 14 days