Trichinella spiralis Flashcards
(17 cards)
What are the common names for Trichinella spiralis?
Trichina worm, Pork muscle worm
What is the habitat of Trichinella spiralis adult worms in its definitive hosts?
Duodenal or jejunal mucosa of pig, rat, man (small intestine)
What is the mode of transmission for Trichinella spiralis?
Ingestion of undercooked pork containing viable larvae
What is the infective stage of Trichinella spiralis?
Encysted larva
What is the diagnostic stage of Trichinella spiralis?
Encysted larva (in muscle tissue)
What are the definitive hosts for Trichinella spiralis?
Man, Pig, Rat
Smallest nematode infecting man.
Trichinella spiralis
Describe a key morphological feature of the male Trichinella spiralis.
Presence of claspers at its tail end.
What is a key reproductive characteristic of female Trichinella spiralis?
Viviparous & release 1st stage of larva into the intestinal mucosa.
What is the term for the disease caused by Trichinella spiralis?
Trichinellosis
How do humans typically acquire Trichinella spiralis infection?
By ingesting food containing cysts; accidentally infected when eating improperly processed meat of pig or rodents.
What are the three stages of Trichinella spiralis infection in humans?
Intestinal invasion, Larval migration, Encystation.
What type of immune responses does Trichinella spiralis elicit?
Humoral & cellular (regulated by T-helper lymphocytes) immune response.
Name some laboratory diagnostic methods for Trichinella spiralis.
Detection of spiral larvae in muscle tissue; Detection of adult worms & larvae in the stool during the diarrheic stage; T. Spiralis Ab by ELISA test using Ags obtained from the infective larvae; Bachman intradermal test; X-ray examination.
In which geographical regions is Trichinella spiralis more common?
Europe & U.S. (than in tropics & the Orient)
What are some key prophylactic measures against Trichinella spiralis infection?
Properly cooking pork or freezing at -20°C for 3 days; Inspection of slaughtered pigs; Preventing pigs from eating raw meat.
What is a common treatment for Trichinella spiralis infection?
Mebendazole
