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
This article was published on Sunday 29 October, 2006.
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