Trichinellosis
Trichinellosis Causes
The consumption of undercooked meat that contains cysts of Trichinella spiralis can cause the disease. Wild animals, both carnivores and omnivores, should be considered possible sources if roundworm disease. When roundworms are inside in the body, they produce other worms that move through the gut wall and into the bloodstream.
Trichinellosis Definition
Also known as trichinosis or trichiniasis, Trichinillosis is an infection due to the roundworm Trichinella spiralis.
Trichinellosis Diagnosis
Among the tests conducted to diagnose the disease are complete blood count (CBC), muscle biopsy, serology studies and CPK. Patients may also be found to have a history of having eaten rare or uncooked pork.
Trichinellosis Symptoms and Signs
Trichnellosis involves the intestines and within 1-2 days of infection, nausea, heartburn, dyspepsia, and diarrhea may be experienced by the patient. The symptoms may be harsh depending on the extent of the infection. Other signs of the disease such as headache, fever, chills, cough, eye swelling, joint pain, muscle pain, petechiae, and itching may appear as the worms encyst in the other parts of the body.
Trichinellosis Treatment
Intestinal infections can be treated with Mebendazole or albendazole; there is no specific treatment however, for trichinosis once the larvae have penetrated the muscles. Pain killers may be taken to relieve muscle soreness.