Is the trichina a dangerous parasite? Is it found in other animals besides the hog?

-
Trichina

Q. Is the trichina a dangerous parasite? Is it found in other animals besides the hog?

A. The trichina is usually found in pork, though it may infest the flesh of numerous other animals as well. Cases have been reported in England, in which it was found in calves. It has also been recently discovered in the hippopotamus. It exists only in the lean flesh of animals, and is found among the muscular fibres or enclosed in little sacs or capsules. When taken into the stomach by eating of flesh containing it, the worm is soon liberated from its capsular prison, and in the course of a week undergoes complete develop­ment. It speedily brings forth young in im­mense numbers, a single worm producing, it is stated, one thousand or more young. The young worms very quickly begin to penetrate the sys­tem, either by boring their way through the in­testinal walls and thence to the muscles, their final destination, or by getting into the blood vessels and being swept along with the blood current. Which is the real method of distribution has not yet been determined.

After reaching the muscles it penetrates the sheaths of the fibres, and finally becoming quiet, coils itself up and after a time becomes encap­sulated.

Popular posts from this blog

Is chronic catarrh of the larynx curable?

-
Chronic Laryngitis Q. Is chronic catarrh of the larynx curable? A. In most cases this disease may be cured, even when of long standing, except in cases in which the inflammation is due to tubercular infection. Many of these cases are also curable if taken in time. A skilled specialist must be consulted.
Read more

Of what use are the tonsils and should they be removed?

-
The Tonsils Q. Of what use are the tonsils and should they be removed? A. The tonsils are lymphatic glands. Their function is to protect the body against the great number of microbes which collect in the mouth. They are also connected with the functions which promote the growth and development of the body. Diseased tonsils are a constant menace to the body, proving an open door for the entrance of harmful organisms. Tuberculosis germs and other disease-producing bacteria often find their way into the body through the open portal pro­vided by diseased tonsils. The tonsils harbor disease germs, such as pneumonia and diptheria, also the germ of influenza or la grippe. These germs are lying there ready to develop whenever the vital resistance is lowered by cold, exhaus­tion, indigestion, or any other depressing cause. Diseased tonsils are often a cause of rheumatism and probably other serious maladies. Tonsils which frequently become raw or in­ flamed or which are constant...
Read more