🐷 Chapter 345 · Trichinellosis (Trichinella spiralis)

Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics 22nd Edition | Trichinellosis (trichinosis) is caused by ingestion of undercooked meat containing encysted larvae of Trichinella spiralis (pork, bear, wild game). Intestinal phase (1-2 weeks): diarrhea, abdominal pain. Muscle phase (2-4 weeks): fever, periorbital edema, myalgia, eosinophilia, elevated CK. Severe cases: myocarditis, encephalitis, pneumonitis. Diagnosis: serology (ELISA), muscle biopsy, eosinophilia. Treatment: albendazole (or mebendazole) + corticosteroids (for severe symptoms). Prevention: cook meat thoroughly (≥55°C).