Pseudospiralis

Pseudospiralis is not a standalone taxon but is most often encountered as the species epithet in the nematode Trichinella pseudospiralis. The term itself is generally not used to name an independent genus or species apart from the binomial Trichinella pseudospiralis.

Taxonomy and description: Trichinella pseudospiralis belongs to the family Trichinellidae, within the phylum Nematoda. It is one of several Trichinella species that infect mammals and, in some records, birds. The defining characteristic that helps distinguish it from encapsulated relatives is the absence of a nurse cell capsule in infected muscle tissue.

Biology and life cycle: Like other Trichinella species, T. pseudospiralis has a direct life cycle that involves ingestion of larval stages in meat, followed by larval development within the same host and subsequent transmission when the host is consumed by a new host. A key distinguishing feature is that the larvae do not form a stable encapsulated cyst in muscle tissue, which can affect diagnostic approaches.

Hosts and transmission: The parasite primarily infects a range of mammals and, in some observations, birds. Human infections occur through consumption of undercooked or raw meat containing encapsulated larvae, enabling the parasite to establish in the host’s muscle tissue.

Disease, diagnosis, and treatment: Trichinellosis presents with gastrointestinal symptoms early on, followed by myalgia, fever, and eosinophilia in many cases. Diagnosis is supported by serology, muscle biopsy, or molecular methods such as PCR. Treatment typically involves anthelmintic medicines (for example, albendazole or mebendazole) and supportive care, with prevention centered on proper cooking and inspection of meat to prevent human exposure.

See also: Trichinella, trichinellosis, parasitic nematodes.