Trichinellosis - Symptoms, Causes, Images, and Treatment Options

Diseases

Highlights & Basics

Key Highlights

Trichinellosis is a parasitosis caused by ingestion of undercooked meat containing Trichinella species larvae.
The most important reservoir is the domestic pig, although a variety of other animals, including horses and wild carnivores, can be the source of infection.
Biphasic disease characterized by a gastrointestinal (enteric) phase followed by a systemic (parenteral) phase.
The intestinal phase occurs within a few days of ingestion of the parasite and manifests with gastrointestinal symptoms, such as abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
The systemic phase most commonly manifests with fever, eosinophilic myositis, myalgia, and periorbital edema, although it may also cause myocarditis and encephalitis.

Larva of Trichinella spiralis in a muscle nurse cell

From: Summary of Basic Science and Clinical Information section of The Trichinella Page (http://www.trichinella.org); used with permission from Dr Dickson Despommier

Quick Reference

History & Exam
- Key Factors
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Diagnostics Tests
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Definition

Epidemiology

Etiology

Pathophysiology

Images

Trichinellosis manifested by splinter hemorrhages under the finger nails
Life cycle of Trichinella species
Larva of Trichinella spiralis in a muscle nurse cell
Graphic representation of clinical manifestations according to the week of infection
Trichinella spiralis cysts seen embedded in a muscle tissue specimen, in a case of trichinellosis

Citations

Key Articles

Gottstein B, Pozio E, Nockler K. Epidemiology, diagnosis, treatment, and control of trichinellosis. Clin Microbiol Rev. 2009;22:127-45.[Abstract][Full Text]
Dupouy-Camet J, Murrell KD, eds. FAO/WHO/OIE guidelines for the surveillance, management, prevention and control of trichinellosis. 2007 [internet publication].[Full Text]
Wilson NO, Hall RL, Montgomery SP, et al. Trichinellosis surveillance: United States, 2008-2012. MMWR Surveill Summ. 2015;64(1 suppl):1-8.[Abstract][Full Text]
American Academy of Pediatrics. Trichinellosis. In: Kimberlin DW, Brady MT, Jackson MA, eds. Red Book: 2018 Report of the Committee on Infectious Diseases. 31st ed. Itasca, IL: American Academy of Pediatrics; 2018: 819-20.
Miller JM, Binnicker MJ, Campbell S, et al. A guide to utilization of the microbiology laboratory for diagnosis of infectious diseases: 2018 update by the Infectious Diseases Society of America and the American Society for Microbiology. Clin Infect Dis. 2018 Aug 31;67(6):e1-94.[Abstract][Full Text]
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Parasites - Trichinellosis (also known as Trichinosis). May 2020 [internet publication].[Full Text]

Other Online Resources

CDC: trichinellosis case report form
CDC: trichinellosis - resources for health professionals
CDC: parasites - trichinellosis (also known as trichinosis)

Referenced Articles

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40. Pozio E, Varese P, Morales MA, et al. Comparison of human trichinellosis caused by Trichinella spiralis and by Trichinella britovi. Am J Trop Med Hyg. 1993;48:568-575.[Abstract]
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