Trichinella
Trichinella
Trichinella (/trɪkɪˈnɛlə/) is a genus of parasitic roundworms of the phylum Nematoda that can infect and cause disease in humans and other mammals. The disease caused by Trichinella infection is called trichinosis.
Etymology
The name Trichinella comes from the Greek word "thrix", meaning hair, and the Latin diminutive "-ella", due to the hair-like appearance of the worm.
Description
Trichinella worms are small, with adult males measuring 1.4 to 1.6 mm in length and females measuring 2.2 to 3.5 mm. They are characterized by a long, slender body and a cuticle with three outer layers made of collagen and other compounds. The worms have a simple digestive system with a mouth at the anterior end and an anus at the posterior end.
Life Cycle
The life cycle of Trichinella involves several stages, including adult worms, newborn larvae, and muscle-stage larvae. Adult worms live in the intestines of mammals, where they mate and produce larvae. The larvae migrate to the muscles, where they form cysts and can remain dormant for years.
Infection and Disease
Humans can become infected with Trichinella by eating undercooked meat from animals that have the worms in their muscles. Once in the human intestines, the worms mature and reproduce, releasing larvae that migrate to the muscles and cause symptoms such as fever, muscle pain, and swelling around the eyes.
Prevention and Treatment
Prevention of Trichinella infection involves cooking meat thoroughly to kill any worms. Treatment for trichinosis typically involves antiparasitic drugs and, in severe cases, corticosteroids to reduce inflammation.
Related Terms
- Nematoda: The phylum to which Trichinella belongs.
- Trichinosis: The disease caused by Trichinella infection.
- Parasitism: The relationship between Trichinella and its host.
- Cyst: The structure formed by Trichinella larvae in muscle tissue.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Trichinella
- Wikipedia's article - Trichinella
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