DETECTION OF TRICHINELLOSIS IN WILD ANIMALS AND THE CORRELATION WITH THE PRESENCE OF HUMANS

M. COHEN, S.N. COSTANTINO, M. CALCAGNO, S.M. VENTURIELLO

Paris, Francia

Congreso; Xth EUROPEAN MULTICOLLOQUIUM OF PARASITOLOGY: from satellites to microsatellites; 2008

Société Française of Parasitologie

Our previous studies demonstrated the presence of human and porcine trichinellosis in an area of Argentina historically regarded as Trichinella-free. The aims of this work were to study the presence of the parasite in wildlife within a natural park located in that region as well as the related human population (hunters). The following studies were performed: parasitological test (artificial digestion, n=114 wild boars-Sus scrofa); immunoserological tests (IFI-ELISA-WB, n=48 wild boars, n=44 humans); PCR-derived method to identify Trichinella species; analysis of geographical distribution of the animals by GIS and the relationship between the infection and the presence of humans. Epidemiological data were collected to evaluate risky alimentary habits and clinical symptomatology. These results showed that: Trichinella spiralis larvae were found in 11.4% (n=13) of wild boars; parasite loads were 0.01-0.3 larvae/g; transplacentary passage exists in these animals; seroprevalence was 48% (n=23) in wild boars and 4.5% (n=2) in humans, despite 80% (n=35) of individuals consumed raw or undercooked wild boar meat. A correlation between infected animals and the presence of humans was established. These results confirm the existence of Trichinella in wildlife and demonstrate how declaration of Trichinella-free areas should be carefully established by means of extensive monitoring programs, not only in domestic animals but also in wildlife.