Trichinella Spiralis Infection
Description
Caused by a nematode; a parasitic worm. Infection occurs when infected undercooked meat is eaten and viable larvae are ingested. The larvae develop into adults in the small intestine and lay eggs. The newly hatched larvae penetrate the intestinal wall and travel to muscle, thus completing their life cycle. The infection causes muscle disease, cardiac disease (myocarditis, pericarditis, ischemia), and neurologic disease (encephalopathy).
Symptoms
Muscle pain, fever, weakness, joint pain, facial swelling, diarrhea, headache, confusion, heart attack, hives.
Tests
A history and physical exam will be performed. Additional tests to establish the diagnosis will be done.
- CBC
- Chem 12
- Troponin
- X-Ray
- EKG
- CT Scan
- MRI
Treatment
Therapy depends on the extent of infection and the organs involved but may include: cardiac monitoring, anti-parasitic medications (mebendazole/Vermox, thiabendazole/Mintezol, albendazole/Albenza) and steroids.
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