Trichinella infection in wild boars (Sus scrofa) from a protected area of Argentina and its relationship with the presence of humans.

ABSTRACT

In Argentina, Trichinella infection has been documented in humans and animals of several provinces since 1930. This zoonotic parasite infection has been recently detected in humans and pigs of a region historically considered as Trichinella-free, suggesting the spread of these pathogens. The aim of the present work was to investigate the presence of Trichinella infection in wild boars (Sus scrofa) and in the human population living in a protected area. Trichinella infection has been investigated by serology (in humans and wild boars) and by artificial digestion of wild boar muscles. The isolated Trichinella larvae have been identified at the species level by multiplex PCR. A geographical information system has been used to collect environmental data. The results showed the circulation of Trichinella spiralis in wild boars with a low parasite burden, and suggest the influence of human behavior on the transmission. The transplacental passage of parasite is postulated. It follows that the declaration of region as Trichinella-free should be carefully established by means of extensive monitoring programs, not only in humans and domestic animals but also in wildlife.