Causes and risk factors
Trichinella is found primarily in meat eating animals. It occurs by eating uncooked meat or pork which is infected with the larvae of trichinella.
Clinical presentation
Symptoms depend upon amount of larvae ingested and species of trichinella. The larvas develop into roundworms. They move through the gut and get absorbed in the blood stream. They invade the muscle tissue including heart and diaphragm. They may also invade lungs and brain. Trichinosis presents with nausea, heartburn, dyspepsia, fever, muscle pain, weakness, diarrhoea, abdominal pain and cramping, periorbital oedema, photophobia, conjunctivitis.
Investigation
Medical history by the patient and Clinical examination by the doctor helps in diagnosis. History of exposure to trichinella can help to evaluate further. Tests such as CBC especially for eosinophilic count, ELISA for larval antigens, muscle biopsy, creatinine kinase level will confirm the diagnosis.
Treatment
No treatment is required for asymptomatic patients and the infection goes by itself. People with mild illness are given symptomatic treatment and supportive care is given to prevent further infection. Medicinal treatment involves early administration of anthelmintics, administration of steroids, and administration of pain reliever drugs. Avoiding eating of raw or undercooked meat will prevent infection in future.
Other Modes of treatment
The other modes of treatment can also be effective in treating Trichinosis. Homoeopathy is a science which deals with individualization considers a person in a holistic way. This science can be helpful in combating the symptoms. Similarly the ayurvedic system of medicine which uses herbal medicines and synthetic derivates are also found to be effective in treating Trichinosis.
