One Health: Parasites at post-mortem

Question 1

This is the life cycle of which parasite?

Answer 1

Trichinella spp.

It is zoonotic!

Question 2

Which muscles does Trichinella preferentially inhabit?

Answer 2

• Tongue
• Masseter
• Diaphragm
• Intercostal muscles
• Extraocular muscles

Question 3

How can Trichinella be detected post-mortem?

Answer 3

• Detection of larvae encysted within muscle fibres
• Presence of anti-Trichenella antibodies in serum/ meat juice

Question 4

Answer 4

Trichinella spiralis

Question 5

How do humans become infected with Trichinella ?

Answer 5

• Ingestion of larvae that have encysted in striated muscles
• This happens when people ingest undercooked meat (esp pork)

Question 6

Which carcasses need to be sampled for Trichinella ?

Answer 6

• All wild boar (hunted or farmed)
• All horses intended for the food chain
• All carcasses of boars and breeding sows
• All carcasses from uncontrolled housing / outdoor conditions
• At least 10% of carcasses from controlled housing condition farms

Question 7

What happens if a carcass tests positive for Trichinella ?

Answer 7

It is rejected as Category 2 ABP

Question 8

How do pigs become infected with Trichinella ?

Answer 8

• Ingestion of meat containing it
• Ingestion of rodents / feed contaminated with dead rodents

Question 9

True/false: appropriate anthelmintic choice can kill even Trichinella larvae that have encysted in striated muscle.

Answer 9

False
Anthelmintics (e.g. albendazole) can kill Trichinella in the intestines but not encysted larvae

Question 10

True/false: Trichinella has minor public health implications.

Answer 10

False
Trichinellosis in humans can be fatal, and there is no treatment for encysted larvae in muscles.