Overview
Trichinellosis, caused by nematodes of the genus Trichinella, is a parasitic infection characterized by gastrointestinal symptoms, muscle pain, and eosinophilia, often following consumption of undercooked meat containing encysted larvae. 1Diagnosis
Clinical Presentation: Acute substernal discomfort, eosinophilic leukocytosis, elevated troponin levels, electrocardiographic abnormalities.
Laboratory Tests: Elevated troponin T, eosinophilia, blood biochemistry.
Imaging: Echocardiography may reveal left ventricular hypertrophy and hyperechogenic endocardium.
Specific Tests: Serological tests for Trichinella antibodies; muscle biopsy for larvae detection in severe cases.Management
First-Line Treatment: Albendazole or mebendazole (dose specifics not provided in abstracts).
Adjunctive Therapy: Corticosteroids for severe cases with complications like eosinophilic myocarditis.
Supportive Care: Management of arrhythmias, fluid and electrolyte balance, symptomatic relief.Special Populations
Eosinophilic Myocarditis: Severe complication noted in adults; specific pediatric or elderly considerations not detailed in provided abstracts.Key Recommendations
Suspect trichinellosis in patients with compatible clinical symptoms, eosinophilia, and recent consumption of undercooked meat (Evidence: Moderate 1).
Initiate empirical treatment with albendazole or mebendazole for confirmed or highly suspected cases (Evidence: Expert opinion 1).
Consider corticosteroid therapy in patients presenting with severe complications such as eosinophilic myocarditis (Evidence: Moderate 1).References
1 Mohib O, Clevenbergh P, Truyens C, Morissens M, Castro Rodriguez J. (no title). Acta clinica Belgica 2022. link