Trichinella

 

Contents

 

Rev: 12/21/2022

  Classification Biology and Ecology
Morphology and Anatomy Life Cycle
Return to Trichinella Menu Ecosystem Functions and Services
Distribution Management
Return to Trichinellidae Menu Feeding  References
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Classification:

Enoplea
Trichuroidea
Trichinellidae
                   Trichinella Owen, 1835
    Synonyms:
      
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Morphology and Anatomy:


 

Females:

  
   

 

Males:  

Body size range for the species of this genus in the database - Click:
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Distribution:

Trichinellosis is a parasitic infection caused by a nematodes of the genus Trichinella. Virtually all mammals are susceptible to infection by one or more species of the genus; however, humans are especially prone to developing clinical disease.

The number of outbreaks around the world appear to is increasing markedly, reflecting a changing epidemiological paradigm.

 

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Feeding:

 
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Biology and Ecology:

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Life Cycle:

All stages in the life cycle of Trichinella occur in individual mammalian hosts. When skeletal muscle containing infective larvae is ingested by another mammal, the larvae are released by the action of gastric fluids and pass into the small intestine.There, the parasites invade the small intestine epithelial wall, and molt four times before becoming sexually mature. After copulation, the females begin to expel newborn larvae about six or seven days after initial infection (Bruschi and Murrell, 2002).

Trichinella spiralis larvae encysted in pork.

Photomicrograph by Jonathan Eisenback.

 

The nature and function of stichocyte secretions, particularly of vertebrate parasites, is an area of continued interest in research on host-parasite relationships.

For Ecophysiological Parameters for this genus, click 

In humans, initial infection is through the intestine after consumption of infected raw or undercooked meat. Intestinal infection may result in abdominal pain and diarrhea. Larvae migrate to muscle tissues and may cause swellings, rash, fever, and inflammation of the eyes.

 

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Ecosystem Functions and Services:

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Management:

 
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References:

Bruschi, F. and Murrell, K.D. 2002.

New aspects of human trichinellosis: the impact of new Trichinella species. Postgraduate Medical Journal 78:
#915.
Chitwood, B.G. 1930. The structure of the esophagus in the Trichuroidea. Journal of Parasitology 17:35-42.

De Ley, P. and Blaxter, M. 2002. Systematic position and phylogeny. Pp 1-30 in Lee, D.L. (ed.). The Biology of Nematodes. Taylor and Francis, London and NY. 635p.

Despommier, D.D. 1998. Trichinella and Toxocara. Pp597-607 in Cox, F.E.G., Kreier, J.P. and Wakelin, D. Volume 5, Parasitology in Collier, L., Balows, A. and Sussman, M. (eds.). Topley and Wilson’s Microbiology and Microbial Infections. Arnold, London.

Ferris, H. 2007. Stichosomida. McGraw-Hill Encyclopedia of Science & Technology. http://accesscience.com/abstract.aspx?id=757377&referURL=http%3a%2f%2faccesscience.com%2fcontent.aspx%3fid%3d757377.

Lee, D.L. 2002. Life cycles. Pp 61-72 in Lee, D.L. (ed.). The Biology of Nematodes.Taylor and Francis, London and NY. 635p.

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Copyright © 1999 by Howard Ferris.
Revised: December 21, 2022.