The Trichinella Spiralis roundworm
is contracted by ingesting raw or undercooked infected pork. Trichinella
Spiralis infection, Trichinosis, is more common in rural areas,
especially pig and hog farming areas. The pig becomes infected from
ingesting the eggs and once inside the intestine, the eggs release
the Trichinella Spiralis oncosphere (first-stage larvae). The Trichinella
Spiralis oncosphere then separates and invades the intestinal wall
migrating to the striated muscles. Once in the striated muscles,
the Trichinella Spiralis oncosphere encyst (enclose in a cyst) and
wait there until eaten, then the digestive juices dissolve the capsulated
oncosphere and continues its' lifecycle.
There is an estimated 27 million people infected with Trichinosis.
Surveys showed that in the United States during the 1940's that
15-25% of the population was infected with the Trichinella Spiralis
roundworm, and now there is less that 2% infected. The decrease
of infections is due to more stringent inspection policies.
Trichinosis symptoms include: stomachache, and achy muscles and
joints. In more severe cases of Trichinosis with a large number
of Trichinella Spiralis roundworms, the symptoms can mimic food
poisoning and Fibromyalgia.
