View source for Trichinella spiralis

==Background==

*Also known as the '''pork worm''', not to be confused with pork tapeworm ([[Taenia solium]])

===Life Cycle===

*Can complete its life cycle in a human, pig, boar, bear, walrus, fox, and other animals
*Life cycle involves ingestion of meat with cysts, which develop into adult worms, which release eggs, which invade through gut mucosa and migrate to muscle, where it becomes a muscle cyst

===Epidemiology===

*Acquired in humans by ingestion of undercooked meat
*Present in carnivores and omnivores worldwide
*Commercial pork is the most common source of infection in humans, but can also be acquired from a number or wild game meats

==Clinical Manifestations==

*Spectrum of illness from asymptomatic (most common) to fulminant infection
*Incubation period [[Usual incubation period::less than 1 month]]
*After ingestion of contaminated meat:
**Within first week, may experience abdominal discomfort, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea
**After another 2 to 8 weeks, may have fever, myalgia, periorbital edema, urticarial rash, conjunctival hemorrhage, and subungual hemorrhage, related to migration of larvae into tissues
**In severe disease, after  1 to 2 months, can develop [[myocarditis]], neurological symptoms, and [[pneumonitis]]
**Can cause an [[Causes::eosinophilic myositis]]
*Often has eosinophilia during migratory phase (70%)
*Larvae are viable in tissues to years, with calcification usually occurring between 6 and 24 months

==Diagnosis==

*Usually made clinically based on exposure history, eosinophilia, and symptoms
*Serology exists, and can be used as paired acute and convalescent titres
**Positive after 2 to 3 weeks, and can stay positive for years
**Cross-reacts with other nematodes (and sometimes with other helminths)

==Management==

*Treated by [[Is treated by::albendazole]] or [[Is treated by::mebendazole]]

{{DISPLAYTITLE:''Trichinella spiralis''}}
[[Category:Nematodes]]