TRICHINOSIS

Humans acquire Trichinosis spiralis by consumption of undercooked or raw meat contaminated with infective larvae. Larvae develop into adult worms in the small intestine. After 1-2 weeks, adult female worms produce newborn larvae that penetrate the intestinal mucosa and reach striated muscles in the blood stream. The larvae then encyst in the muscles and can remain viable for many years. Most cases of human trichinosis are caused by the ingestion of infected pork meat. Most infections are asymptomatic. Large infestations may lead to diarrhea, vomiting and abdominal discomfort .After about 2 weeks of infection, fever, and myalgia .there may be associated cough, dyspnea, headache, dysphagia rash and sub-conjunctival haemorrhages. Severe infection may be complicated by myocarditis, pneumonia, or encephalitis.Extraocular, jaw, neck, biceps, diaphragm and lumbar muscles are commonly involved. Peripheral smear shows eosinophilia.Muscle enzymes are elevated in the presence of myositis.Seorlogy becomes positive 3 weeks after infection .Biopsy from tender, swollen muscle confirms the diagnosis although it is necessary in most cases. Hence the prevention method is more complicated in this disease, adult worms can be eradicated by taking drug like mebendazole for 3 days and alternative therapy consists of albendazole for 8-12 days. Both these drugs appear to be effective against muscle larvae. Severe myostitis may require a short course .