New York City Food Protection Practice Test

What illness is caused by the parasite Trichinella spiralis?

1. Salmonellosis

2. Trichinosis

3. Listeriosis

4. Giardiasis

The correct answer is: Trichinosis

Trichinella spiralis is a parasitic roundworm that causes the illness known as trichinosis. This disease is typically contracted by consuming undercooked meat that contains the larvae of the parasite, most commonly found in pork. Once ingested, the larvae can mature into adult worms in the intestines and subsequently invade the host's muscle tissue, leading to various symptoms including abdominal discomfort, fever, and muscle pain. Understanding the nature of this parasite is important for food safety practices, especially when preparing pork and other meats. Trichinosis serves as an example of how certain parasites can lead to foodborne illnesses, highlighting the necessity of proper cooking methods to eliminate the risk of transmission. The other illnesses listed, such as salmonellosis, listeriosis, and giardiasis, are caused by different pathogens—bacteria or protozoa—making them unrelated to Trichinella spiralis. This distinction reinforces the importance of identifying specific pathogens and their associated illnesses to effectively implement food safety measures.