Trichinella spiralis
Trichinella spiralis
Trichinella spiralis (pronounced: trik-i-nel-a spi-ral-is) is a nematode parasite, occurring in rats, pigs, bears and humans, and is responsible for the disease trichinosis. It is sometimes referred to as the "pork worm" due to it being typically encountered in undercooked pork products.
Etymology
The name Trichinella spiralis is derived from the Greek word "thrix", meaning hair, and the Latin word "spiralis", meaning coiled. This is in reference to the parasite's hair-like appearance and its coiled nature.
Life Cycle
The life cycle of Trichinella spiralis involves several stages. The adult worms live in the intestines of a definitive host, where they produce larvae that migrate to the muscles and form cysts. When meat containing these cysts is consumed by another host, the larvae are released and mature into adult worms in the intestines.
Related Terms
- Trichinosis: A disease caused by infection with Trichinella spiralis.
- Nematode: A type of worm, of which Trichinella spiralis is an example.
- Parasite: An organism that lives in or on another organism (its host) and benefits by deriving nutrients at the host's expense.
- Cyst: In this context, a protective capsule in which the larvae of Trichinella spiralis can survive.
- Definitive host: The organism in which a parasite reaches sexual maturity.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Trichinella spiralis
- Wikipedia's article - Trichinella spiralis
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