Trichinosis

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Digestive system organs

Trichinella spiralis in human muscle

Trichiniasis; Trichinellosis

Mebendazole or albendazole can be used to treat infections in the intestines. There is no specific treatment for trichinosis once the larvae have invaded the muscles. Pain killers can help relieve the muscle soreness.

Most people with trichinosis have no symptoms and their infection is self-limited (resolves on its own). More severe infections may be more difficult to treat, especially if the lungs, the heart, or the brain is involved.

• Arrhythmias from heart inflammation (myocarditis)
• Heart failure
• Encephalitis
• Pneumonia

Call your health provider if you have symptoms suggestive of trichinosis and a recent history of eating undercooked or raw meat that might have been contaminated.

Review Date: 10/09/2006
Reviewed By: D. Scott Smith, M.D., MSc, DTM&H, Chief of Infectious Disease & Geographic Medicine, Kaiser Redwood City, CA & Adjunct Assistant Professor, Stanford University. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.