trichinosis
Last reviewed 01/2018
- this is the commonest parasitic infection of muscle
- the pathogen is nematode called Trichinella spiralis
- infection is usually from undercooked pork or horse meat
- larvae penetrate the small intestine and spread systemically
- there is myalgia, tenderness and often weakness
- periorbital and conjunctival oedema are common; subconjunctival haemorrhages may occur
- there may be a skin rash and splinter haemorrhages
- a blood count may show an eosinophilia and a muscle biopsy demonstrates parasites in various stages of development