Trichinella pseudospiralis in humans: description of a case and its treatment

Abstract

The first known human case of Trichinella pseudospiralis myositis is described. A 33 years old woman reported 5 years of relatively mild symptoms of tiredness, muscle fatigue and muscle pain after exercise. She had minimal proximal weakness. Creatinine kinase was significantly elevated, and muscle biopsy showed polymyositis and Trichinella larvae. Steroid treatment dramatically worsened the weakness. Treatment with albendazole led to complete resolution of symptoms and laboratory abnormalities. Diagnosis and identification of the parasite were based on the distinctive appearance of the unencapsulated larvae and their movement in fresh muscle, plus clinical and laboratory findings.

More parasitic myositis cases in humans in Australia, and the definition of genetic markers for the causative agents as a basis for molecular diagnosis

“…With these related nematodes in mind, it could be proposed that H. perplexum uses an arthropod as an intermediate host and has accidentally found its way into humans. Another possibility is that H. perplexum is transmitted via the consumption of undercooked bush-meat from a native marsupial, as hypothesized for the first human case of disease caused by H. perplexum, initially misdiagnosed as Trichinella pseudospiralis (see Andrews et al, 1994;Spratt, 2005). However, thus far, only two of eight cases were proposed to relate to the consumption of bush-meat on one occasion (cf.…”

Using PCR-Based Sequencing to DiagnoseHaycocknema perplexumInfection in Human Myositis Case, Australia

“…It appears that only 4 of 9 cases of human infection recorded to date (the case we report and 3 previous cases [ 7 , 8 , 10 ]) had histories of the patients consuming bushmeat, which suggests the possibility of other routes of transmission. Other than locations in Tasmania and northern Queensland, the common thread among most clinical cases is an association with an exposure to native wildlife (e.g., through hunting, bush walking, caring for wildlife, keeping wildlife as pets, doing botanical fieldwork, or consuming native bushmeat [ 3 , 4 , 6 – 9 ]).…”

Trichinosis as an Unusual Cause of Respiratory Failure of Neuromuscular Origin: Case Report and Review of the Literature

“…Respiratory failure, myocarditis, (26,27), and ascending paralysis resembling the Landry -Guillain-Barré syndrome are rare (28). Trichinosis may also be suspected in cases of progressive weakness and myalgia worsening with steroid treatment (29).…”