Scientists from Lancaster University have discovered that immune responses originally found to prevent fungal infections are also important in eliminating Trichinella spiralis, a round worm and the causative agent of Trichinosis.

People acquire trichinellosis by consuming raw or undercooked meat infected with the Trichinella parasite, particularly wild game meat or pork.

Consumption of contaminated meat contains “nurse cells” of the parasite. Once in the stomach the “nurse cells” hatch releasing infective larvae which then bury themselves within the lining of the small intestine.

Previously immune responses to expel the parasite have been shown to rely on white blood cells called T-helper 2 cells, specialised for eliminating gastrointestinal parasites.

Read more at Lancaster University

Image: These are infective Trichinela spiralis larvae. (Credit: John Worthington)

• Health
• Ecosystems
• Sci/Tech
• Top Stories