TRICHINOSIS

 Basic information

description

Trichinosis is a parasitic roundworm infection. It is very uncommon in the United States. The infection affects different places in the body (e.g., gastrointestinal tract, lymphatic system and bloodstream, and large muscles of the body).

FREQUENT SIGNS & SYMPTOMS

• People may be infected and never have symptoms.
• Early stages (usually begin in 7 to 10 days):
  • Appetite loss, nausea, and vomiting.
  • Diarrhea and stomach cramps.
• Later stages:
  • Puffy eyelids and face.
  • Muscle pain.
  • Headache.
  • Itching, burning skin.
  • Sweating.
  • High fever (102°F to 104°F or 38.9°C to 40°C).
• Late stages:
  • Symptoms decrease, but some muscle tissues remain permanently infected with microscopic cysts. In rare cases, these cause heart and central nervous system disorders.

causes

Infection with a parasite, Trichinella spiralis. It is transmitted to humans when they eat infected animals. Human cases can result from eating undercooked pork or wild animal meat. Thorough cooking kills the parasite and makes infected meat safe to eat. The parasites pass from animal to animal in contaminated food (usually raw garbage).

risk increases with

• Eating improperly cooked or raw pork.
• Weak immune system due to illness or drugs.

PREVENTIVE MEASURES

Don't eat raw or undercooked pork meats (including ready-to-eat pork sausage). Cook all meats thoroughly.

expected outcomes

Usually curable in 5–6 weeks in most persons with rest and treatment and, in severe cases, hospital care.

possible complications

• Heart and lung complications.
• Central nervous system problems.
• Kidney damage.
• Vision or hearing disorders.
• Some deaths have been reported.

 diagnosis & treatment

general measures

• Your health care provider will usually do a physical exam and ask about your symptoms and diet. Medical tests including blood studies, and a muscle biopsy may be done to confirm the diagnosis. With a biopsy, a small amount of muscle tissue is removed for viewing under a microscope.
• Treatment usually includes drugs for pain and fever and rest at home. Antiworm drugs may help treat infections in the early stages (intestinal). They are not effective for treating the infection in the muscles.
• Hospital care for severe cases. Breathing support and intravenous (IV) fluids may be needed.

medications

• Anthelmintic (antiworm) drugs to kill the parasites may be prescribed. They can help if larvae are in the intestinal tract. They will not help if the muscles are infected.
• Corticosteroids for patients with severe symptoms or with central nervous system involvement.
• You may take nonprescription drugs, such as acetaminophen, to reduce fever and discomfort.

activity

Rest in bed until symptoms improve. While confined to bed, move legs often to reduce the likelihood of deep vein blood clots. Resume normal activities gradually.

diet

No special diet. Drink plenty of fluids.

 notify our office if

• You or a family member has symptoms of trichinosis.
• New, unexplained symptoms develop. Drugs used in treatment may produce side effects, especially nausea, vomiting, skin rash, or fever.

Special Notes: