What is trichinosis or trichinellosis?

Trichinosis is a parasitic infection caused by larvae of the Trichinella nematode, transmitted by consuming raw or undercooked meat. Early diagnosis and treatment prevent serious complications, and can be prevented with adequate food hygiene.

Trichinosis (also called trichinellosis or trichinasis) is a parasitic disease caused by larvae of the nematode Trichinella. that It is mainly transmitted by consuming raw meat or undercooked pork or wild animals such as wild boars, bears or pumas.

How does infection occur?

When a person eats meat contaminated with Trichinella larvaethese are released in the small intestine, where They mature and transform into adult worms after approximately eight days.. Females produce new larvae that spread through the bloodstream to the muscles, where they form cysts that can remain viable for years.

Is it a common infection?

In recent decades, the incidence of trichinosis has decreased significantly in developed countries thanks to health and veterinary checks. However, it remains a relevant problem in rural areas or contexts where wild animal meat is consumed without sanitary control.

What symptoms does it produce?

The severity of symptoms depends on the number of larvae ingested and the stage of infection:

• intestinal phase (1-2 days after infection): nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal pain.
• Larval dissemination phase (1-2 weeks later): fever, tiredness, facial swelling, rash, muscle pain, photophobia (sensitivity to light), and eosinophilia (an increase in a type of white blood cell).
• muscle phase (when the larvae form cysts in the tissues): it can cause serious complications such as myocarditis, encephalitis, pneumonitis, arrhythmias, seizures and even death in severe cases.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis is based on a detailed medical history and a history of consuming raw or undercooked meat. Complementary tests include:

• Blood test: detection of eosinophilia and increased muscle enzymes.
• Immunological tests (such as ELISA) to identify antibodies against Trichinella spiralis.
• muscle biopsywhich allows observing the encysted larvae.
• Electromyogramuseful to evaluate muscle involvement.

What treatment options exist?

Treatment depends on the stage of the infection and its severity. The most used options are:

• Antiparasitics such as albendazole or mebendazoleespecially effective in the initial intestinal phase.
• Painkillers to relieve muscle pain.
• Corticosteroids (such as prednisone) in severe cases, to reduce inflammation and allergic reactions.

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Prevention

Trichinosis can be easily prevented through food safety measures:
Cook meat thoroughly, especially pork and game.

• Freeze pork before consumption.
• Avoid homemade products without health control (sausages, smoked or salted meats).
• Buy meat in certified establishments.
• Keep rigorous veterinary checks in slaughterhouses and hatcheries.

What you should know…

• Trichinosis is a parasitic disease that is completely preventable with adequate hygienic-sanitary habits.
• Early diagnosis and timely treatment are essential to avoid serious complications.
• Health education, along with epidemiological surveillance, continue to be fundamental pillars for its control and eradication.