Trichinosis

General Information on Trichinosis

Trichinosis, also known as trichinellosis, is an infection caused by a roundworm. Roundworms are a type of parasite. The roundworm that causes the infection is Trichinella spiralis. Trichinosis primarily occurs in carnivorous animals due to the fact that the easiest way to get trichinosis is by consuming meat that contains the roundworm larvae. For humans, the meat containing the roundworm larvae is usually undercooked. Once the larvae are consumed, the larvae mature and develop within the intestines and migrate to other areas of the body. Once the larvae have matured into adulthood, the male and female roundworms mate in the intestines. The female roundworm then burrows into the intestinal wall and begins to produce new larvae. The new larvae then carried throughout the body into the muscles and then form cysts. The severity of the symptoms is dependent on how many larvae have infiltrated the body. It is not uncommon for the affected person to experience no symptoms. Symptoms of trichinosis usually begin a couple of days after the initial ingestion of the larvae, but the severe symptoms caused by the invasion of the larvae usually begin about one to two weeks after the initial ingestion of the larvae. Without treatment, most of the symptoms of trichinosis disappear in about three to four months, but in severe and rare cases without treatment, death may occur.

Symptoms of Trichinosis

Some of the symptoms for trichinosis may be:

Abdominal cramps
Diarrhea
Fever
Muscle pain
Muscle soreness
Inflammation
Swelling of the upper eyelids
Muscle weakness
Fatigue
Malaise
Headache
Rash – typically not itchy
Eye pain
Sensitivity to light
Redness of the eyes

Treatments For Trichinosis

The treatment for trichinosis is a combination of anti-parasite medication, pain relievers, and corticosteroids. Anti-parasite medications, such as mebendazole or albendazole, are effective in killing the existing parasites and the larvae. Pain relievers along with bed rest helps to relieve muscle pain. Corticosteroids, such as prednisone, are effective in reducing inflammation. In most cases of trichinosis the affected person has a full recovery.

Personal Experience

Trichinosis - personal experiences