What does trichinella mean?
Trichinella is a genus of microscopic parasitic roundworms, or nematodes, in the family Trichinellidae. Its best-known species, Trichinella spiralis, is acquired by eating raw or undercooked meat containing infective larvae, especially pork or wild game. The worms mature in the intestine, and their larvae can migrate into skeletal muscle, where they form cysts and cause trichinellosis, also called trichinosis. Although the infection can produce fever, muscle pain, swelling around the eyes, and other potentially serious symptoms, it is now uncommon in countries with routine meat inspection and adequate cooking practices. In scientific writing, Trichinella names the genus and is normally capitalized and italicized; the complete species name includes the epithet spiralis. Trichinella is important in veterinary medicine as well as human health because infections also occur in wildlife and domestic animals. Its name ultimately derives from a Greek word meaning “hairy” or “hair-like,” reflecting the worms' slender, threadlike appearance.
nounTrichinella is a genus of parasitic roundworms in the family Trichinellidae. Species within the genus, especially Trichinella spiralis, can infect humans and other mammals and cause trichinellosis, also called trichinosis.
- A parasitic roundworm belonging to the genus Trichinella, especially Trichinella spiralis.
"Laboratory testing identified Trichinella in the patient's muscle tissue."
"The veterinary laboratory reported a severe infestation of Trichinella in the farm's pigs."
"Freezing or thoroughly cooking infected meat can destroy Trichinella larvae and prevent trichinellosis."
The Latinized plural is occasionally used for multiple members of the genus, although scientific writing more often uses “species of Trichinella” and treats the genus name as singular.
"The samples contained trichinellae."
Undercooked pork can carry Trichinella larvae, turning a traditional meal into a potentially serious roundworm infection.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does trichinella come from?
Trichinella is a New Latin taxonomic name that ultimately draws on the Greek trichinos, meaning “hairy” or “hair-like.” The name was established in nineteenth-century zoological usage, especially through the designation Trichinella spiralis for the spiral-shaped parasitic worm. Related English forms include trichina, trichin, trichinous, and trichinosis.
How trichinella is actually used
As a scientific genus name, Trichinella is normally capitalized and italicized. It may refer collectively to the organism in medical and veterinary writing; the full name Trichinella spiralis is used when the species is specifically intended.
Easily confused with trichinella
Trichina is a common name for the parasitic worm, particularly Trichinella spiralis, whereas Trichinella is the scientific name of the genus containing several related species.
Trichinosis is the disease caused by infection with Trichinella, while Trichinella names the parasite itself.