Pathogenesis (development of disease)
Trichinellosis is caused by the parasites Trichinella (nematodes – threadworms).
The following species of Trichinella can be distinguished:
- Trichinella spiralis – the most common type.
- Trichinella nelsoni
- Trichinella nativa
- Trichinella bitovi
- Trichinella pseudospiralis
Trichinella can infect all mammalian species, but in Europe it predominantly affects pigs. The transmission occurs through the consumption of raw or insufficiently heated contaminated meat.A transmission from person to person does not occur.
Trichinellosis is independent of climatic conditions, as there are no free parasite stages in trichinella.
In the upper small intestine, the released larvae mature into worms within a few days. Within two to four weeks, larval production of 500 to 1,500 per female occurs. These then enter the bloodstream and from there into the striated muscles. There, infected muscle cells are transformed into nurse cells. After approximately six months, first the cells and later the parasites themselves calcify.Rarely, the infection affects other organs.
Etiology (Causes)
Behavioral causes
- Consumption of raw/insufficiently heated trichinella-infected meat.
