Trichinella spiralis is associated with consumption of undercooked meat from which animal?

Trichinella spiralis is associated with consumption of undercooked meat from which animal?

• A. Sheep
• B. Fish
• C. Pigs
• D. Poultry

Answer: (C)

Trichinella spiralis infection happens when you eat meat that still contains parasite cysts. The cysts form in muscle tissue of animals, most classically pigs. When undercooked pork is eaten, the cysts release larvae in the gut, where they mature and then migrate to muscles, forming new cysts. That cycle is why pork is the classic source of trichinellosis. Cooking pork thoroughly to a safe internal temperature (and, in some contexts, freezing meat) destroys the parasites. While other wild game can occasionally carry Trichinella, fish and poultry are not typical sources.

Trichinella spiralis infection happens when you eat meat that still contains parasite cysts. The cysts form in muscle tissue of animals, most classically pigs. When undercooked pork is eaten, the cysts release larvae in the gut, where they mature and then migrate to muscles, forming new cysts. That cycle is why pork is the classic source of trichinellosis. Cooking pork thoroughly to a safe internal temperature (and, in some contexts, freezing meat) destroys the parasites. While other wild game can occasionally carry Trichinella, fish and poultry are not typical sources.