Trichinellosis

Trichinellosis

Trichinellosis (pronounced trik-uh-nel-oh-sis) is a parasitic disease caused by the roundworm Trichinella. The disease is also known as trichinosis.

Etymology

The term "Trichinellosis" is derived from the Greek word "trikhinos" which means "of hair", referring to the hair-like appearance of the Trichinella worm under the microscope.

Definition

Trichinellosis is an infection that occurs when humans consume raw or undercooked meat from animals infected with the microscopic parasite, Trichinella. The disease is characterized by diarrhea, abdominal cramps, muscle pain, and fever.

Symptoms

The symptoms of trichinellosis can be divided into two phases: the intestinal phase and the muscular phase. The intestinal phase occurs first, typically within 1-2 days after consuming contaminated meat. Symptoms may include nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, fatigue, and abdominal discomfort. The muscular phase follows, with symptoms such as headaches, fevers, chills, cough, eye swelling, joint pain, muscle pain, constipation, and itchy skin.

Transmission

Trichinellosis is transmitted when individuals consume raw or undercooked meat from animals infected with Trichinella larvae. The most common sources of infection are wild game meat and pork products.

Treatment

Treatment for trichinellosis includes medications to relieve symptoms and, in severe cases, drugs to kill the parasites. The most commonly used drugs for treating trichinellosis are albendazole and mebendazole.

Prevention

Prevention of trichinellosis primarily involves proper cooking of meat, especially pork and wild game. Freezing meat can also kill some species of Trichinella.

External links

• Medical encyclopedia article on Trichinellosis
• Wikipedia's article - Trichinellosis

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