Trichinella murrelli identified in red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) in Pennsylvania, USA.

Trichinella infections have been eliminated from pork where pigs are raised in biosecure facilities, but wildlife infections persist. Trichinella murrelli is the primary zoonotic species in wild carnivores in the United States, having been identified in several species of omnivores and carnivores. Here, we document its occurrence in seven of 21 (33.3%) red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) from six counties in Pennsylvania. Encysted Trichinella larvae were detected in muscle squashes (<5 g samples) of all seven foxes, and in histological sections of the tongue and limb muscle of three. Larvae from muscle squashes were pooled and tested in a multiplex PCR capable of differentiating all Trichinella species native to the USA; all samples contained only T. murrelli. This is the first identification of T. murrelli in red foxes from Pennsylvania, and the first such survey performed in the last three decades. Results indicate that Trichinella remains endemic in Pennsylvania wildlife and a threat to the health of those who consume wild game.

Invasive wild boar (Sus scrofa) as a functional reservoir for the dynamics of Trichinella in the Patagonia region.

Trichinellosis is a zoonotic disease that has been studied mainly in domestic pigs (Sus scrofa domesticus). The cycle involves infection in domestic and wild fauna, which fulfill complex ecological roles, where Trichinella spiralis is reported in wild boar (Sus scrofa). The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of trichinellosis in wild boar and evaluate the distance of positive animals to the nearest urbanization areas in Argentina Patagonia. Necropsies were carried out on wild boar hunted in the Nahuel Huapi and Lanín National Parks and surrounding areas. Skeletal muscle samples were collected from 1,694 wild boar and artificial digestion was performed on all samples. Trichinella spp. were found in 96 (5.8%) wild boar (0.2 to 424 Larvae/g). Parasitism in wild boar depends on the distribution of the population in natural and urban areas. Infected wild boar were found near peri-urban areas, demonstrating the importance of routine epidemiological surveillance and sanitary measures in and around cities. More research is needed to identify the Trichinella species that infect wild animals. We recommend the application of active and passive epidemiological surveillance in South America on exotic and native fauna that are hunted and consumed by humans.

Trichinella spp. in wolves (Canis lupus) and red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) of southern Italy.

Trichinella spp. are cosmopolitan parasites that infect a wide range of hosts, with wildlife being the main reservoir of these zoonotic nematodes, especially red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) and wolves (Canis lupus) due to their apex position in the food chain in most European countries. The aim of this study is to investigate the prevalence of Trichinella spp. in these wild canids and their epidemiological role in the Campania region (southern Italy). From 2017 to 2023, the carcasses of red foxes (n = 352) and wolves (n = 41) were collected as part of a health surveillance plan. Muscle samples were analysed individually by artificial digestion and four (1.1%) red foxes and nine (21.9%) wolves tested positive for Trichinella britovi. All Trichinella isolates were identified as T. britovi by multiplex PCR. Statistically significant differences in prevalence were found by province (p-value = 0.05) for red foxes and sampling years (p-value = 0.01) for wolves. The prevalence was lower in red foxes than in wolves, probably due to the longer life expectancy of wolves compared to red foxes and the role of wolves as apex predators compared to red foxes as meso-carnivores. The results obtained confirm the important role that these wild canids play in the circulation of the parasite.

Molecular based confirmation of puma meat sausages implicated in trichinellosis outbreaks in Argentina.

Trichinellosis is a zoonotic disease caused by Trichinella, with the main source of infection being the consumption of pork and pork-derived products. However, it can also be acquired from eating the meat from wild animals targeted for sport hunting. The objectives of this study were: 1) to develop and implement a molecular method for the identification of Sus scrofa (pig and wild boar) and Puma concolor (Puma) meat in sausages eaten raw, which were linked to trichinellosis outbreaks occurring in Córdoba, Buenos Aires and La Pampa provinces, Argentina, in 2010, 2021, and 2022, respectively; and 2) to identify the Trichinella species present in the food. Specific primers were designed for PCR amplification and nucleotide sequencing of a region of the mitochondrial cytochrome b gene from both host species. Samples from the mentioned outbreaks were analysed, and the molecular identification of Trichinella spp. larvae was also performed. Results of the species identification system revealed that sausages from Córdoba and Buenos Aires had a mixed composition of pork and puma meat, while those from La Pampa contained puma meat only. Trichinella spiralis was implicated in all three outbreaks. The species identification system developed and implemented in this study revealed two host species of Trichinella related to human cases, and alerts about the risk of zoonotic transmission to humans through infected puma meat.

Serology survey of Ascaris suum and Trichinella spiralis in rural pigs in Southwestern Mexico.

BACKGROUND: Parasitic diseases of pigs are a public and veterinary health problem. Helminths influence pork production, whereas backyard pigs can transmit these parasites. OBJECTIVES: This work aimed to investigate the prevalence of antibodies against Ascaris suum and Trichinella spiralis in backyard pigs from Jamiltepec, Region de la Costa, Oaxaca, in Southwestern Mexico. METHODS: Six hundred sixty-four serum samples were obtained from backyard pigs from 23 rural villages distributed in 5 municipalities; samples were taken in a non-probabilistic manner with the owner's consent. The presence of serum antibodies against a total extract of A. suum adult worm was determined by ELISA. In contrast, antibodies to the excretion-secretion products of the T. spiralis muscle larva were determined by Western blot. RESULTS: The global seroprevalence for A. suum was 5.12% and 2.41% for T. spiralis; however, antibodies were only found in 8 villages and distributed in 3 municipalities. The highest frequency of positivity for Ascaris was found in the municipality of Santa Catarina Mechoacán (13.01%), whereas, in Santa María Huazalotitlán, the highest frequency of positivity for Trichinella was found (5.75%). In San Andrés, frequencies were 7.23% and 4.82%, respectively. No statistical differences were observed between populations. CONCLUSIONS: Our data suggest that helminth transmission is restricted by locality. However, further studies must be conducted to understand the factors limiting this transmission to promote pork meat production in parasite-free zones.

Outbreak of Human Trichinellosis - Arizona, Minnesota, and South Dakota, 2022.

Trichinellosis is a parasitic zoonotic disease transmitted through the consumption of meat from animals infected with Trichinella spp. nematodes. In North America, human trichinellosis is rare and is most commonly acquired through consumption of wild game meat. In July 2022, a hospitalized patient with suspected trichinellosis was reported to the Minnesota Department of Health. One week before symptom onset, the patient and eight other persons shared a meal that included bear meat that had been frozen for 45 days before being grilled and served rare with vegetables that had been cooked with the meat. Investigation identified six trichinellosis cases, including two in persons who consumed only the vegetables. Motile Trichinella larvae were found in remaining bear meat that had been frozen for >15 weeks. Molecular testing identified larvae from the bear meat as Trichinella nativa, a freeze-resistant species. Persons who consume meat from wild game animals should be aware that that adequate cooking is the only reliable way to kill Trichinella parasites and that infected meat can cross-contaminate other foods.

Diversity of Trichinella species in carnivores from Bosnia and Herzegovina.

BACKGROUND: In Bosnia and Herzegovina, domestic and wild carnivores represent a significant driver for the transmission and ecology of zoonotic pathogens, especially those of parasitic aetiology. Nevertheless, there is no systematic research of Trichinella species in animals that have been conducted in Bosnia and Herzegovina, even though trichinellosis is considered the most important parasitic zoonosis. The available results of the few studies carried out in Bosnia and Herzegovina are mainly related to the confirmation of parasitic larvae in the musculature of domestic pigs and wild boars or data related to trichinellosis in humans. The objective of our study was to present the findings of a comprehensive investigation into the species composition of Trichinella among 11 carnivorous species within the territory of Bosnia and Herzegovina, as follows: red fox (Vulpes vulpes), grey wolf (Canis lupus), brown bear (Ursus arctos), wildcat (Felis silvestris), pine marten (Martes martes), European badger (Meles meles), weasel (Mustela nivalis), European polecat (Mustela putorius), Eurasian lynx (Lynx lynx), but also dog (Canis lupus familiaris) and cat (Felis catus). RESULTS: In the period 2013-2023, carnivore musculature samples (n = 629), each consisting of 10 g of muscle tissue, were taken post-mortem and individually examined using the artificial digestion method. In the positive samples (n = 128), molecular genotyping and identification of parasitic larvae of Trichinella spp. were performed using a PCR-based technique up to the species/genotype level. Positive samples were used for basic PCR detection of the genus Trichinella (rrnS rt-PCR technique) and genotyping (rrnl-EVS rt-PCR technique). The Trichinella infection was documented for the first time in Bosnia and Herzegovina among red foxes, grey wolves, brown bears, dogs, badgers and Eurasian lynx, with a frequency rate of 20.3%. Additionally, the presence of T. britovi infection was newly confirmed in Bosnia and Herzegovina, marking the initial documented cases. Furthermore, both T. britovi and T. pseudospiralis infections were observed in the wildcat population, whereas T. britovi and T. spiralis infections were detected in pine martens. Consistent with previous research, our findings align particularly regarding carnivores, with data from other countries such as Germany, Finland, Romania, Poland and Spain, where T. britovi exhibits a wider distribution (62.5-100%) compared to T. spiralis (0.0-37.5%). T. britovi is more common among sylvatic carnivores (89.0%), while T. spiralis prevails in wild boars (62.0%), domestic swine (82.0%) and rodents (75.0%). CONCLUSION: The results of our study represent the first molecular identification of species of the genus Trichinella in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Additionally, our findings underscore the necessity for targeted epidemiological studies to thoroughly assess trichinellosis prevalence across diverse animal populations. Considering the relatively high frequency of trichinellosis infection in investigated animal species and its public health implications, there is an evident need for establishing an effective trichinellosis surveillance system in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Trichinella Infection in Culled Wild Boar (Sus scrofa) from El Palmar National Park, Argentina, and Exposure Risk in Humans and Dogs Consuming Wild Boar Meat.

Trichinellosis is a foodborne disease caused by ingestion of raw or undercooked meat containing Trichinella spp. larvae. Consumption of wild boar (Sus scrofa) meat represents an important source of human trichinellosis worldwide. In El Palmar National Park (EPNP), Argentina, invasive alien wild boars are controlled and meat from culled animals is released for public consumption following on-site artificial digestion (AD) testing. Meat trimmings and offal from the control program are often used as food for dogs (Canis familiaris). We evaluated infection and exposure to Trichinella spp. in wild boars from EPNP, as well as exposure to Trichinella spp. and associated risk factors in dogs and human consumers of wild boar meat. Trichinella spp. larvae were detected in muscle samples from 5/49 wild boars by AD (10.2%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 3.8%-23%), with a mean burden of 0.24 larvae per gram (lpg; range, 0.06-0.95 lpg). Anti-Trichinella antibodies were not detected in wild boar serum samples (n=42). In dogs, 12/34 were seropositive to Trichinella spp. (35.29%; 95%, CI, 20.3%-53.5%). Immunoglobulin (Ig) G antibodies were not detected in human serum samples (n=63). Our results reveal the presence, albeit at low prevalence, of Trichinella spp. in wild boars and exposure in dogs fed game offal. These findings suggest that the low prevalence and parasitic load in wild boars, together with the best practices applied by EPNP culling program personnel, contribute to keeping the risk of infection in people low. The dog results highlight that the parasite is circulating in the area, and therefore the risk of infection is not negligible. We recommend the implementation of an animal surveillance strategy in order to monitor the evolution of this zoonosis in the study area.

Distribution and prevalence of antibodies to Trichinella spp. and Toxoplasma gondii in wild pigs (Sus scrofa) in the United States.

Invasive wild pigs (Sus scrofa) are a reservoir for over 100 viral, bacterial, and parasitic pathogens that are transmissible to humans, livestock, domestic animals, and wildlife in North America. Numerous historical local surveys and results from a nation-wide survey (2006-2010) indicated that wild pigs in the United States act as reservoirs for Trichinella spp. and Toxoplasma gondii, two zoonotic pathogens of importance for human and animal health. Since that time, wild pig populations have expanded and increased in density in many areas. Population expansion of wild pigs creates opportunities for the introduction of pathogens to new areas of the country, increasing health risks. The goal of this study was to investigate the current geographic distribution and prevalence of Trichinella spp. and T. gondii antibodies in wild pigs using serum samples collected from 2014 to 2020. Serum samples from 36 states were tested for antibodies to Trichinella spp. (n = 7467) and T. gondii (n = 5984) using commercially available enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. Seroprevalence for Trichinella spp. (12.4%, 927/7467) and T. gondii (40.8%, 2444/5984) are significantly higher compared to a previous 2006-2010 study across all regions. Results from this study also showed a lower seroprevalence (4.8%) for Trichinella spp. in the West region compared to the other regions (South: 13.4%; Midwest: 18.4%; Northeast: 19.1%). There were new detection records for antibodies to Trichinella spp. in 11 states, mostly in the West, Midwest, and Northeast regions compared to a previous study in 2014. Males and juveniles were less likely to be positive for Trichinella spp. antibodies, compared to females and older animals, respectively. Seroprevalence was similar for T. gondii across the regions (31.8-56%) with some states having particularly high seroprevalence (e.g., Hawaii 79.4% and Pennsylvania 68%). There were new T. gondii antibody detection records for 12 states, mostly in the West, Midwest, and Northeast regions. Adults were more likely than juveniles and subadults to be seropositive. These data confirm that the distribution and prevalence of antibodies for Trichinella spp. and T. gondii are increasing in the United States, likely driven by wild pig population growth and range expansion.

Serosurveillance of Trichinella sp. in wild boar and Iberian domestic suids in Mediterranean ecosystems of southwestern Spain.

AIMS: A cross-sectional study was carried out to assess the seroprevalence and risk factors associated with Trichinella spp. exposure in wild boar and Iberian domestic pigs from Mediterranean ecosystems of southwestern Spain. METHODS AND RESULTS: Serum samples from 1360 wild boar and 439 Iberian domestic pigs were obtained during 2015-2020, from regions where Iberian pigs are raised under extensive conditions, hence sharing habitat with wild boar. Seropositivity was found in 7.4% (100/1360; 95% CI: 6.1-8.9) of the wild boar analysed. In this species, the individual seroprevalence ranged from 3.6% (8/223) (hunting season 2016-2017) to 11.4% (37/326) (2018-2019). A significant higher seropositivity was observed during the hunting season 2018-2019 (p < 0.009: OR = 3.07; 95% CI = 1.32-7.18) and one statistically significant cluster was detected within the studied area, in south central Andalusia [Relative Risk (RR) = 2.9; p = 0.037]. Females showed a significantly higher seroprevalence than males (8.7% vs. 5.8%) (p < 0.001: OR = 1.58; 95% CI = 1.08-2.32). No seropositivity to Trichinella spp. was detected in Iberian domestic pigs (0.0%; 95% CI: 0.0-0.9). CONCLUSIONS: Although wild boar play an important role as a reservoir of Trichinella sp. in the Mediterranean ecosystems of southwestern Spain, our results suggest that the wild boar production system does not seem to pose a risk of Trichinella exposure to domestic pigs, despite sharing habitats in these ecosystems.

Triquinosis: el impacto sanitario de una patología emergente / Trichinosis: the health impact of an emerging pathology

La triquinosis es una zoonosis que afecta a los animales y al hombre, y es ocasionada por la ingestión de la larva Trichinella spiralis que habita en el músculo de los animales hospedadores y, tras ser ingerida por el hombre, pasa a la pared intestinal de éste donde se multiplica y sus embriones emigran a los músculos. De 1990 a 1999 se reportaron 5.217 casos y en otro posterior de 2014 a 2018 fueron 5.211 casos. Con un promedio anual de 579 casos y de 1302 casos. Como resultado del cambio climático, la triquinosis se traslada de climas fríos a templados, lo que la torna una enfermedad emergente. El cuadro clínico puede presentarse en forma benigna o aguda, y su evolución abarca un período de un año; en ocasiones provoca la muerte por complicaciones. El hombre es responsable de la crianza, la alimentación y el control sanitario del cerdo y de sus productos para consumo. Consideramos a esta zoonosis, un indicador del desarrollo de los pueblos. Con educación, cambios de conducta y cumplimiento de las normas sanitarias, se actuará en beneficio de la salud y el bienestar de la población. (AU)

Trichinosis is a zoonosis that affects animals and humans. It is caused by the ingestion of a larva called Trichinella spiralis which lives in the muscle of host animals. After being ingested by humans, the larva passes to the intestinal wall where it multiplies, and its embryos migrate to the muscles. From 1990 to 1999, 5.217 cases were reported, and in a later period from 2014 to 2018, there were 5.211 cases. With an annual average of 579 cases and 1.302 cases, respectively. As a result of climate change, trichinosis moves from cold to temperate climates making it an emerging disease. The clinical presentation can range from benign to acute, with an evolution period of 1 year; and sometimes it causes death due to complications. Humans are responsible for raising, feeding, and ensuring sanitary control of pigs and their products for consumption. We consider this zoonosis an indicator of the development of communities. Through education, behavioral changes, and compliance with sanitary regulations, actions can be taken to promote the health and welfare of the population. (AU)

Epidemiology Study of Trichinella Spiralis Infection in Tyumen Region.

Trichinosis is a parasitic infection with worldwide distribution, which is caused by consuming pork or other meats containing cystic larvae of the parasitic nematode Trichinella Spiralis. This study aimed to investigate the status of infection Trichinella Spiralis in domestic and wild animals. To study the spread of trichinelles in animals, a retrospective analysis was conducted based on the study of research journals and conducted their research methods of compressor trichinelloscopy (microscopic) and digestion of samples in artificial gastric juice (biochemical). A total of 17 positive samples were detected for trichinellosis during the observation period, of which 58.8% belonged to a badger (Meles Meles), and 35.3% to the brown bear (Ursusarctos), and only 5.9% of wild boar (Susscrofa). The mean long-term extent of infection belonged to badgers (18.2%), bears (7.9%), and wild boars (0.05%). The study found that between 2015 and 2020, seventeen Trichinella cases were recorded among wildlife in the Tyumen region and the Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Region. The number of annual Trichinella detection cases was declining, indicating the effectiveness of veterinary services. This study determined that the primary source of infection was bears, badgers, and wild boars. Among the 17 positive samples, 58.8% belonged to the badger, 35.3% to the bear, and only 5.9% to the wild boar.

A Trichinella britovi outbreak in the Northern Alps of France: investigation by a local survey network.

We describe a small family outbreak of trichinellosis caused by the consumption of raw ham from a wild boar (Sus scrofa) hunted in the northern Alps of France in February 2022. Out of the six people, aged 3-69 years, who consumed the meat, three were confirmed cases, and three were suspected cases. Eosinophilia detected in four people was the hallmark that drove the diagnosis. Three patients presented with myalgia, two with intense and prolonged chest pain, and one with elevated troponin. One patient presented with dermographism during treatment. Anti-Trichinella IgG were detected in three symptomatic individuals after about ten weeks. One patient had negative serology and no symptoms, but was on long-term corticosteroid therapy. Trichinella britovi larvae (8.3 larvae/g) were detected in the wild boar meat remnants. Trichinellosis is rare in France, but this family outbreak is reminiscent of the circulation of this pathogen in wild animals, highlighting the need to inform hunters about the risk of infection linked to the consumption of raw meat of game animals, and about the need for veterinary inspection of game meat. The consumption of raw meat outside controlled circuits is a practice not devoid of risks, which justifies raising the awareness of hunters, doctors, and medical biologists.

Title: Un foyer de Trichinella britovi dans les Alpes du Nord françaises : investigation par un réseau local de prospection. Abstract: Nous décrivons une épidémie familiale de trichinellose causée par la consommation de jambon cru d'un sanglier (Sus scrofa) chassé dans le nord des Alpes françaises en février 2022. Sur les six personnes âgées de 3 à 69 ans qui ont consommé la viande, trois étaient des cas confirmés, et trois étaient des cas suspects. L'éosinophilie détectée chez quatre personnes a permis d'évoquer le diagnostic. Trois patients présentaient des myalgies, et deux des douleurs thoraciques intenses et prolongées dont un avec une troponine élevée. Un patient a présenté un dermographisme pendant le traitement. Des IgG anti-Trichinella ont été détectées chez trois individus symptomatiques après environ dix semaines. Un des patients avait une sérologie négative et aucun symptôme mais était sous corticothérapie au long cours. Des larves de Trichinella britovi (8,3 larves/g) ont été détectées dans les restes du jambon de sanglier incriminé. La trichinellose est rare en France, mais cette épidémie familiale rappelle la circulation de cet agent pathogène chez les animaux sauvages, qui nécessite d'informer les chasseurs sur les risques d'infections liés à la consommation de viande crue de gibier, et de préconiser un contrôle vétérinaire des viandes de gibier. La consommation de viande crue en dehors des circuits contrôlés est une pratique non dénuée de risques, qui justifie une sensibilisation des chasseurs, médecins et biologistes médicaux.

Establishment of a method for detecting Trichinella spiralis in ovine muscle tissues using real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR.

Trichinellosis is caused by Trichinella spiralis, a meat-borne zoonotic disease transmitted to humans through the consumption of infected undercooked or raw meat. Surveillance using safe and precise diagnostic tools to diagnose T. spiralis in sheep is needed to assess the incidence and probability of transmission from sheep to humans. In this study, we developed a real-time PCR assay to detect T. spiralis DNA in ovine muscle samples that can be used as an alternative surveillance tool to ensure food safety using newly designed primers. The assay is specific for the Scfld4 gene of Trichinella (T1) and enables the detection of larvae in ovine muscle tissue samples with high sensitivity and specificity. Trichuris ovis, Oesophagostomum dentatum, Haemonchus contortus, and Bunostomum trigonocephalum showed no nonspecific amplification. The assay could detect Trichinella DNA concentrations as low as 0.0026 ng/µL, equivalent to 0.0064 larvae, indicating a high sensitivity for T. spiralis detection. We used this real-time PCR to detect 73 ovine muscle samples from an ovine abattoir, and five samples tested positive via real-time PCR but negative via microscopy. This assay may provide a more specific and sensitive method for rapidly detecting Trichinella larvae in ovine muscle tissues.

Trichinella infection in Serbia from 2011 to 2020: a success story in the field of One Health.

In Serbia, modern pork production systems with implemented control measures, including the detection of Trichinella larvae in meat (ISO18743), have eliminated farmed pork from pigs slaughtered at abattoirs as a source of trichinellosis. Epidemiological data from 2011 to 2020 indicate that the number of human cases and the number of infected domestic pigs has decreased significantly. Over the years, pork was the most frequent source of human infection. Cases generally occurred in small family outbreaks, and the infection was linked to consumption of raw or undercooked pork from backyard pigs. In most of the outbreaks, T. spiralis was the aetiological agent of infection, but in 2016, a large outbreak was caused by consumption of uninspected wild boar meat containing T. britovi larvae. To achieve safe pork, it is important that consumers of pork from animals raised in backyard smallholdings and of wild game meat are properly educated about the risks associated with consumption of untested meat. Laboratories conducting Trichinella testing should have a functional quality assurance system to ensure competency of analysts and that accurate and repeatable results are achieved. Regular participation in proficiency testing is needed.

Novel study on the prevalence of Trichinella spiralis in farmed American minks (Neovison vison) associated with exposure to wild rats (Rattus norvegicus) in China.

Minks and brown rats are reservoir hosts for many endoparasites including those of the genus Trichinella, a group of parasite nematodes with a worldwide distribution. However, little is known about the prevalence of Trichinella sp. infection in the American mink (Neovison vison) and rats (Rattus norvegicus) in China. Therefore, we aimed to examine the prevalence of Trichinella sp. infection in farmed minks in Weihai city, Shandong province, China and infer the possible route for Trichinella transmission to farmed American minks. In total, 289 muscle samples from minks and 102 carcasses of rats were collected from Weihai City. The appearance of Trichinella sp. was examined using the pooled artificial HCl-pepsin digestion method. The results showed that muscle larvae were detected in 20 of 289 minks (6.92%) and 2 of 102 synanthropic rats (1.96%). The larval density of Trichinella sp. in mink samples ranged from 0.025 to 0.815 larvae per gram (lpg), while the average larval burden in rats was 0.17 lpg. The isolates derived from minks and rats were identified at the species level using multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR), which revealed that the size of the two PCR products matched that of T. spiralis at 173 bp. Furthermore, sequence analysis showed 100% identity of the 5S rDNA inter-gene spacer regions of the two isolates to that of T. spiralis. This study presents a novel report of T. spiralis-mediated infection in minks and synanthropic rats in China. We highlight the vulnerability of farmed minks to Trichinella infection through exposure to synanthropic rats, which may raise a public health concern of potential zoonotic risks for domestic animals.

Two trichinellosis outbreaks in Serbia - challenging diagnosis due to a potential co-infection with Toxocara spp.

In Serbia, in most cases, small family outbreaks of trichinellosis occur due to the consumption of untested infected meat from domestic pigs that are raised and slaughtered in the backyards of small individual farms. The aim of this study is to present data regarding 24 patients involved in two outbreaks that occurred in two neighbouring districts in Serbia during a closely related period of time in August 2014. The source of infection in the first outbreak was undercooked pork, while raw pork sausages caused the second outbreak. Meat samples and sausages were Trichinella spp. positive by artificial digestion. With the aim to obtain a second opinion and validate the serological findings discovered at the Public Health Institute Nis, all samples were sent to the National Reference Laboratory for Trichinellosis, INEP. Serodiagnosis showed that 21 persons were positive (87.5%) and three (12.5%) were negative for anti-Trichinella antibodies, while 15 patients fulfilled the trichinellosis case definition. Western blot analysis (using an epitope unique for the muscle larvae stage of the Trichinella genus) confirmed the diagnosis of trichinellosis in five patients. Six patients also had specific antibodies against Toxocara canis (T. canis). Due to the fact that in endemic foci in Serbia there is the presence of Trichinella spiralis and T. canis and that these two infections could be asymptomatic, we consider that trichinellosis cases were irrefutably proven. The dilemma about the existence of co-infection with T. canis remained open due to the lack of clinical findings.

First detection of Trichinella spiralis in raccoon (Procyon lotor) in Germany.

Trichinella spp. are foodborne parasites that can cause severe and potentially fatal disease in humans. Infections occur through consumption of meat containing the infectious stage (L1). In Germany the domestic cycle has been eradicated. In wild animals sporadic occurrence is observed in species such as wild boar, red foxes and raccoon dogs. The omnivore raccoon which is an invasive species in Europe is known as a potential host but has not been studied intensely regarding this parasite in Germany until now, thus resulting in a lack of knowledge about its role in the sylvatic cycle. Raccoons from the urban area of Leipzig were investigated for several pathogens including Trichinella spp. in a cooperative project. Muscle samples of 88 individuals were examined using the artificial digestion method (ADM). One animal was found positive, which is the first detection of this parasite in a raccoon in Germany.

Laboratory Features of Trichinellosis and Eosinophilia Threshold for Testing, Nunavik, Quebec, Canada, 2009-2019.

Prolonged eosinophilia is characteristic of trichinellosis. To determine the optimal eosinophil threshold for reflex Trichinella testing, we examined all 43 cases in Nunavik, Quebec, Canada, during 2009-2019. Using receiver operating characteristic analysis, we determined that eosinophil counts >0.8 × 109 cells/L should prompt consideration of trichinellosis and testing to rapidly identify potential outbreaks.

Absence of Trichinella spp. larvae in carcasses of road-killed wild animals in Paraná state, Brazil.

Trichinella spp. are zoonotic parasites that are widely distributed in warm-blooded carnivores and omnivores, including humans. Until the present moment, Brazil has been considered by World Animal Health Organization free from the domestic cycle of trichinellosis, whereas the parasite's sylvatic cycle has the status of infection in limited zones. However, neighboring countries such as Argentina have reports of parasite larvae in the wild fauna. The present study aimed to determine the occurrence of Trichinella spp. in road-killed wild animals in Paraná, Brazil. Biological samples from 71 wild animals-29 Didelphis albiventris, 11 Nasua nasua, ten Cerdocyon thous, seven Dasypus novemcinctus, six Leopardus guttulus, six Sphiggurus spinosus and two Puma concolor-collected from November 2016 to November 2021 were subjected to artificial digestion, following the methodology described in the REGULATION (EC) No. 2075/2005. No Trichinella spp. larvae were detected in the carcasses of the road-killed wild animals. However, considering the wide spectrum of possible reservoirs that could act as a link between the sylvatic and domestic cycles and considering the current Brazilian status of sylvatic trichinellosis in limited zones, frequent monitoring of wild fauna remains necessary.