❗Correct answers to the parasitology problem
Larvae of Trichinella (Trichinella spiralis), the causative agent of trichinellosis, were found in the deceased.
Infection occurs when consuming undercooked meat contaminated with Trichinella larvae. Most often, this is pork, wild boar, or bear meat.
Pathogenesis of trichinellosis: Invasive (intestinal) stage: the development of sexually mature individuals in the intestine is accompanied by abdominal pain, nausea, and diarrhea.
Migratory stage: the massive release of larvae into the blood and their invasion of striated muscles causes allergic and toxic reactions, accompanied by fever, eosinophilia, facial edema, and rash.
Muscular stage: larvae encapsulate in the muscles, causing severe myalgia, restricted movement, and pain syndrome, especially when the diaphragm, intercostal, masticatory, and extraocular muscles are involved.
Yes, trichinellosis could have contributed to the road traffic accident. Justification: ✅ Myalgia and stiffness of movements could have made vehicle control difficult.
✅ Visual disturbances (eyelid edema, paresis of extraocular muscles) could have worsened orientation on the road.
✅ General intoxication, fatigue, headache, and low-grade fever — reduced the driver’s concentration and reaction time.
✅ Involvement of respiratory muscles (diaphragm, intercostal muscles) is especially dangerous, as it can lead to hypoxia and fainting spells.
Thus, it can be assumed that trichinellosis at the stage of muscle damage could have contributed to the driver’s deteriorating condition and, as a consequence, loss of control over the car.
