[Trichinosis]

In spite of a decreased occurrence of trichinella spiralis with pigs and wild boars in the Federal Republic of Germany raw or underdone pork is the primary source of infection for man. But as the epidemic of Ebermannstadt has shown, trichinelliasis occasionally occurs nowadays. Besides, there is a danger of infection when travelling to countries with insufficient meat hygiene. After initial enteritis the characteristic symptomatology appears: facial edemas, myalgia, fever, and hypereosinophilia. Recently trichinelliasis has often taken subclinical course. The diagnosis is made by demonstration of the infectious agent and above all by methods of immunodiagnosis. Among preventive measures the microscopic/trichinoscopic examination or the artificial digestion method -- according to law -- take the first place. The acute disease is treated with Tiabendazol.