The clinical severity of trichinosis may vary from asymptomatic to severe. The severity correlates with the risk for complications.
Clinical Group |
Fever |
Other Clinical Findings |
asymptomatic |
none |
none |
abortive |
none or slight |
symptoms slight and last only a few days |
mild |
fever for up to 1 week and not exceeding 38°C |
patient in good condition; patient does not need to remain in bed; transient periocular edema; weak muscle pains; may have an intense symptom but only for 1-2 days |
moderate |
fever for up to 2 weeks and not exceeding 38.5°C |
some symptoms may be severe; patient may be in bed for a week or more; recovery rapid after temperature returns to normal; complications absent, mild or short lasting |
severe |
fever over 39°C for more than 2 weeks |
physical complaints marked; may be in bed for 3 weeks or longer; severe headaches and myalgias; cardiovascular complaints; hypoalbuminemia with peripheral edema; respiratory, nervous, renal and hepatic complications; prolonged convalescence |
Laboratory Findings:
(1) positive serologic tests (seroconversion, appropriate change in titer)
(2) eosinophilia
(3) positive muscle biopsy
(4) hypoalbuminemia (in moderate to severe cases)
(5) elevation in serum CK levels
Limitations:
• A person with marked allergic reaction to the larvae may have pronounced symptoms but recover with no complications.
• Treatment with corticosteroids may lessen the severity in symptoms.
Specialty: Infectious Diseases