Effects of Roentgen Radiation on Trichinella spiralis

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Abstract
Infective larvae exposed to 10,000 r failed to produce young when fed to susceptible hosts. In exposures to 15,000-20,000 r, a few larvae were able to reach maturity. At 30,000 r the larvae underwent partial development during the first 48 hrs., and thereafter were eliminated from the intestinal tract. At 100,000 to 600,000 r some live larvae were found in the intestinal tract of the host 24 hrs. after infection but not after 48 hrs. Doses of about 700,000 r completely destroyed the power of the larvae to become established and they were eliminated with the feces within 24 hrs. With increased exposure to radiation there was a gradual reduction in the number of adult parasites found in the intestinal tract and of larvae in the musculature of the infected animals. Irradiation which was administered at a low temp. (0[degree]C) yielded the same results among the developing parasites as when administered at room temp. (24[degree]C). Irradiated encysted trichinae failed to show recovery from the effects of radiation following storage for one month at 0[degree]C Marked morphological changes were noted in adult parasites which as larvae had been exposed to radiation. The degree of change or damage produced at a given dosage was not uniform,indicating a variation in resistance to irradiation or in the amt. of radiation absorbed. The outstanding changes noted were shrinkage and degeneration of the ovary, inability of the egg cells to undergo complete cleavage or to produce worm-shaped embryos, production of cuticular thickenings and stunted growth. It is concluded that roentgen radiation in sufficient quantity is an effective and dependable method for the destruction of trichinae in meat. However, the use of this method under commercial conditions at this time seems questionable.

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