When Was Trichinosis Discovered?

The scientific discovery of the parasite occurred in 1835 by James Paget and Richard Owen in London. Friedrich Zenker in 1860 provided the first clear evidence of transmission of Trichinella spiralis from animal to human.

How long has trichinosis been around?

Genomic evidence suggests the presence of Trichinella as a distinct species since some time in the mid to latter Miocene period (around 20 million years ago).

How was trichinosis discovered?

In 1835, James Paget (later, Sir James) discovered the roundworm Trichinella spiralis while dissecting a cadaver as a first-year medical student at St. Bartholomew's hospital. However, Richard Owen (later, Sir Richard), his mentor, was the first to publish the findings, and he received acclaim for the discovery (08).