Trichinosis laboratory tests
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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]
Overview
Trichinosis, also called trichinellosis, or trichiniasis, is a parasitic disease caused by eating raw or undercooked pork and wild game products infected with the larvae of a species of roundworm Trichinella spiralis, commonly called the trichina worm. The few cases in the United States are mostly the result of eating undercooked game or home reared pigs. It is most common in the developing world and where pigs are commonly fed raw garbage.
Lab Tests
A blood test or muscle biopsy can identify trichinosis. Stool studies can identify adult worms, with females being about 3 mm long and males about half that size. Laboratory confirmation of Trichinella infection is most often by a blood test. In some cases a muscle biopsy may be performed.
A diagnosis of trichinellosis is made in patients whose signs and symptoms are compatible with trichinellosis, have a positive laboratory test for Trichinella antibodies, and who can recall eating raw or undercooked pork or wild game meat.