Trichinella Spiralis Infection of the Central Nervous System

Introduction Although the reported incidence of trichinosis varies with method of observation and observer,27,29,83it was estimated in a U.S. Public Health report in 1953 that 350,000 persons are infected each year and that approximately 16,000 of these infections produce symptoms of clinical significance.21In spite of these large numbers, reports of focal damage in the central nervous system as a manifestation of trichinosis are rare. As of 1953 there were only 31 well-documented instances of such infection.34Since 1953, however, new methods of diagnosis and treatment have become available; it is appropriate, therefore, to review the literature once again with reference to this syndrome, together with the presentation of the present patient. Report of Case History.—This 45-year-old white woman was admitted to the New York Hospital on Aug. 4, 1960, having been unresponsive for 24 hours. She had been in her usual state of adequate