The Effects of Microwave Radiation on the Infectivity of Trichinella Spiralis

Abstract

The problem: The effects of microwave radiation on the infectivity of "Trichinella spiralis" in young, white, laboratory mice were studied. Procedure. Mice were divided into two groups: 1) mice receiving isolated, irradiated larvae and 2) mice receiving larvae which were isolated from irradiated carcasses. These two groups were further subdivided by the time of microwave exposure of the larvae. Five weeks following inocu lation, the diaphragms of mice were examined for the presence of "T. spiralis" larvae. The number of larvae present in the diaphragms were counted. Findings. Isolated larvae exposed to microwave radiation for 12 seconds were rendered unable to reproduce in mice, and therefore non-infective. Isolated larvae exposed to radiation for 8 seconds produced a pronounced fewer number of larvae than did the unirradiated controls. Encysted larvae in mice carcasses which were irradiated for 18 seconds and then inoculated into mice were unable to reproduce and were non-infective. Encysted larvae irradiated for 14 seconds produced a pronounced fewer number of infective larvae than did the unirradiated controls. Conclusions. The encysted larvae are slightly more resistant to microwave radiation than isolated larvae. Microwave radiation inhibits "T. spiralis" from maturing and producing larvae. Recommendations. Further studies should be done using pork to determine if the results obtained in mice apply to other warm-blooded animals. A study to determine if irradiated larvae are unable to reach maturity or are rendered sterile when maturity is reached would be helpful in understanding the life cycle and reproductive capabilities of "T. spiralis".