Trichinella spiralis infection
About Trichinella spiralis infection
Trichinella spiralis is a nematode; a parasitic worm. Infection occurs when infected undercooked meat is eaten and viable larvae are ingested. The larvae develop into adults in the small intestine and lay eggs. The newly hatched larvae penetrate the intestinal wall and travel to muscle, thus completing their life cycle. The infection causes muscle disease, cardiac disease (myocarditis, pericarditis, ischemia), and neurologic disease (encephalopathy).Symptoms
Muscle pain and soreness, fever, weakness, facial swelling, diarrhea, red spots on conjunctiva and under the nails, headache, confusion.Tests & Diagnostics
A history and physical exam will be performed. Additional tests to establish the diagnosis will be done.Common tests: Complete blood count (CBC), Comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP), CT Scan, EKG, MRI, Troponin, X-ray.
Prescription medications
Conventional treatment summary
Therapy depends on the extent of infection and the organs involved but may include: cardiac monitoring, anti-parasitic medications (mebendazole/Vermox, thiabendazole/Mintezol, albendazole/Albenza).Medical specialties
Infectious Disease Medicine · Pediatric Infectious Disease Medicine
This page is educational content, not medical advice. Always consult a qualified clinician for diagnosis and treatment of Trichinella spiralis infection.