The Probert Encyclopaedia of Nature

TRICHINA

Trichina is a genus of Nematode worms. The genus includes Trichiasis spiralis which is one of the most dangerous parasites in man and other animals. It is very small, being less than 5 mm long, and some millions may be present in any one host, in which case they frequently give rise to the condition known as trichiniasis. The eggs are hatched out in the intestines of the host, and the trichinae then migrate to the muscles where they become encysted and develop no further unless the flesh of the host is eaten by some other animal. They are then set free in the alimentary canal, where they become sexually mature. The natural host of this parasite is the rat, but it is also prevalent in pigs, and hence transmitted to man through eating pork.
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