Trichinella spiralis
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T. spiralis has interactions with a wide variety of hosts, unlike many other parasitic organisms that require a specific host. It infects all orders of mammals, such as cougars, wolves, bears, rats, and humans. The most common hosts are rats and pigs. This nematode is easily passed from one organism to the next by the consumption of infected meat. Humans can also be a host in the life cycle, which is why this organism is of great interest. T. spiralis feeds on nutrients within the bloodstream of the host organism.
To learn about the disease trichinosis caused by this nematode click here