What are the other Names for this Condition? (Also known as/Synonyms)

• Human Trichinellosis
• Trichinella Spiralis Infection
• Trichinellosis

What is Trichinosis Infection? (Definition/Background Information)

• Trichinosis is a parasitic infection caused by consuming meat (usually raw, or undercooked), which is infected by a type of roundworm larva
• This leads to diarrhea, stomach pain, fever, and fatigue. But, the infection can easily be treated with anti-parasitic medications; unless any complications develop

Who gets Trichinosis Infection? (Age and Sex Distribution)

• Trichinosis is a food-borne illness. Any individual who consumes raw or undercooked meat (usually pork), is likely to develop the condition
• Infection rates are higher towards rural (farm) areas, than in cities and towns. Trichinosis is fairly widespread around the world

What are the Risk Factors for Trichinosis Infection? (Predisposing Factors)

The risk factors for Trichinosis include:

• Consuming meat of animals (like pig, bear, horse, and walrus) that is partially cooked or cooked improperly (without maintaining proper hygienic standards, or using contaminated vessels, knives)
• Inadvertently touching ones face, mouth, while handling contaminated raw meat, and not following safe meat preparation procedures. Such meat, is usually obtained from wild animals, is unprocessed, and non-commercially available
• Individuals working in high risk zones such as, meat processing/packing plants, pet stores, zoos, and veterinary hospitals, are prone to the infection to a higher degree

It is important to note that having a risk factor does not mean that one will get the condition. A risk factor increases ones chances of getting a condition compared to an individual without the risk factors. Some risk factors are more important than others.

Also, not having a risk factor does not mean that an individual will not get the condition. It is always important to discuss the effect of risk factors with your healthcare provider.

What are the Causes of Trichinosis Infection? (Etiology)

• Consuming undercooked or improperly cooked meat, including handling raw meat, using kitchen items contaminated by the raw meat; are the chief causes of Trichinosis. The roundworm belonging to the Trichinella species, is responsible for the infection
• The Trichinella microorganism requires a primary host (mostly a carnivorous animal like bear, fox, etc.) to reside, feed, reproduce, and flourish. Normally farm animals (like pigs and horses) do not carry the parasitic microorganism that causes Trichinosis. However, when they feed on garbage, or grass infected with wild animal carcass or meat, they become diseased
• When humans ingest meat containing the roundworm larva (which is in its immature state), it develops within their intestines and spreads to other tissues and organs, over many weeks; this causes Trichinosis

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Trichinosis Infection?

The signs and symptoms of Trichinosis, the onset of which occur within 2-7 days after being infected with the parasitic organism, depend on the health condition of the person affected, and the intensity of the infection. The infection intensity is dependent upon the quantity of infected meat consumed. The indications include:

• No visible signs or symptoms if the individual is mildly infected
• With moderate to severe infection: Stomach pain, tiredness, and diarrhea that start after 1 week (or sometimes even after 8 weeks) of meat consumption
• After the adult roundworms enter into the bloodstream from the intestine, and invade tissues & muscles: Muscle pain (chest, limbs), high intense fever, fatigue, appearance of swollen face, eye problems (puffed-up eyelids, light sensitivity, conjunctivitis), eosinophilia

How is Trichinosis Infection Diagnosed?

The physician performs a physical examination to study the signs and symptoms and reviews the medical history of the patient. Some of the exams and tests that could be ordered to diagnose Trichinosis include:

• Total blood count
• Stool exam
• Biopsy of the muscle

Many clinical conditions may have similar signs and symptoms. Your healthcare provider may perform additional tests to rule out other clinical conditions to arrive at a definitive diagnosis.

What are the possible Complications of Trichinosis Infection?

Complications with severe cases of Trichinosis are when the parasitic larva invades vital organs, causing life-threatening illnesses. These are not frequent though, since the condition is easily treated. The complications include:

• Central nervous system (brain & spinal cord) inflammation; encephalitis or meningitis
• Infection of the lung; leading to pneumonia, or bronchopneumonia
• Thickening of the heart muscles leading to myocarditis
• Renal inflammation, when kidneys are affected
• Sinusitis

How is Trichinosis Infection Treated?

In all cases, early detection and management of the condition prevents spread of the infection to other parts of the body:

• Mild cases of Trichinosis may not require any treatment; however, this is not advisable
• Most cases of Trichinosis are self-limiting, meaning that a healthy individual usually recovers from the condition in a few months. However, medications are given and symptomatic treatment provided
• Prescribed medications include: Anti-parasitic drugs (when the condition is diagnosed early, or to avert major organ complications), corticosteroids (to prevent the occurrence of an allergic reaction, when larva invades the tissue), and pain-relieving medication
• If the larva has migrated out of the intestines and invaded other body locations; then, only symptomatic treatment can be provided. The Trichinella parasite automatically perishes, after a certain period of time; though, the symptoms may persist until that takes place

How can Trichinosis Infection be Prevented?

To reduce the incidence of Trichinosis, proper precautions have to be taken to prevent transmission of the harmful parasite via meat, which is consumed:

• Avoid raw meat that is not from a reliable source (with respect to process & package); especially meat from a pig, horse, bear, walrus, and other wild animals
• Follow basic rules while cooking and consuming food; such as carefully washing meat, washing food vessels, cutting boards, before use; cooking meat to the required temperatures to kill any microorganism; washing hands before eating, or immediately on handling raw meat, etc.
• In case you mince or grind meat (at home), then ensure that the grinder machines are cleaned regularly, after each use
• Sample tasting of meat while it is being cooked, or while still undercooked, is to be avoided

What is the Prognosis of Trichinosis Infection? (Outcomes/Resolutions)

• Early diagnosis and treatment of Trichinosis (within 3 days of infection) is very effective and the condition resolves without spreading to other body regions or organs
• If the larva spreads to other body tissues and muscles from the intestines; an extended treatment may be required to control the symptoms, and relieve pain
• A lack of treatment may cause severe infectious attack leading to serious organ damage or organ failure, resulting in paralysis or even death
• Spontaneous abortions or stillbirths may take place in infected pregnant women; depending on the severity of the condition

Additional and Relevant Useful Information for Trichinosis Infection:

• Consuming meat from wild game (kill) is one of the leading causes of Trichinosis. This fact is based on a report from Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, USA