What parasite causes the illness known as trichinosis?

Trichinosis is caused by the parasite Trichinella spiralis. This parasite is a type of roundworm that is commonly found in undercooked or raw meat, particularly in pork. When a person consumes meat infected with larvae of this parasite, the larvae can develop in the intestines, leading to various symptoms, which can include gastrointestinal distress, fever, and muscle pain.

Understanding the specific characteristics of Trichinella spiralis helps clarify its role in foodborne illness. This parasite has a distinct life cycle that includes larval stages that can infiltrate muscle tissue, which is why proper cooking of meat is critical for preventing infection. People are advised to ensure that pork is cooked to a safe temperature to kill any potential Trichinella larvae.

The other options represent different types of parasites that cause various diseases but are not responsible for trichinosis. For example, Giardia lamblia is associated with giardiasis, a waterborne illness, while Entamoeba histolytica leads to amoebic dysentery, and Toxoplasma gondii is linked with toxoplasmosis. Each of these pathogens has its own modes of transmission and associated health risks, but they are not related to trichinosis specifically