Trichinosis

Background

• Caused by roundworm Trichinella
• Transmitted by eating undercooked pork, polar bear, walrus

Clinical Features

• Enteral phase: 2-7d after ingestion
  • Nausea
  • Heartburn/dyspepsia
  • Diarrhea
• Enteral phase
  • Inflammatory response to larvae migrating through tissues
  • Vasculitis
  • Splinter hemorrhage
  • Myalgia, weakness
  • Fever
  • Periorbital edema
  • Cerebral venous thrombosis
  • Encephalitis
  • Pneumonia
  • Myocarditis

Workup

• Diagnosis is clinical
• CBC may show eosinophilia

Management

• Mebendazole or albendazole

See Also

• Parasitic Diseases
• Travel Medicine