Reporte de resultados negativos a Trichinella spp. por digestión artificial en cerdos domésticos del valle inferior del río Negro, Patagonia Argentina / Report of negative results to Trichinella spp. by artificial digestion in domestic pigs of the lower valley of the Negro River, Argentine Patagonia

Resumen Actualmente, el género Trichinella está constituido por 10 especies y 3 genotipos. La transmisión ocurre únicamente por ingestión de tejido muscular infectado. Entre los potenciales hospedadores se conforma un ciclo doméstico y un ciclo silvestre con posible retroalimentación constante entre ambos. Desde el año 2017 el funcionamiento del Matadero Social de San Javier, en el valle inferior del río Negro, permite a productores acceder a una faena segura que además brinde garantías al consumidor. El objetivo del presente trabajo fue evaluar la presencia de larvas L1 de Trichinella spp. en porcinos domésticos procedentes de criaderos de pequeña y mediana escala. Se analizaron por el método de digestión artificial 10 gramos de diafragma de cada porcino doméstico, conformando pooles de hasta 10 animales. En total 942 porcinos domésticos resultaron negativos a la presencia de larvas L1 de Trichinella spp. No obstante debe tenerse presente que sistemas de producción con las características de los que provienen los animales analizados, estarían potencialmente expuestos a la retroalimentación de Trichinella spp. desde la fauna silvestre. En este marco, resulta necesario garantizar el control veterinario en la faena de porcinos y presas de caza y sostener acciones de vigilancia, actualización y promoción en relación a la prevención de la triquinelosis.

Abstract Currently the Trichinella genus consists of 10 species and 3 genotypes. Transmission occurs only through ingestion of infected muscle tissue. Between the potential hosts there is a domestic cycle and a wild cycle with possible constant feedback between both. Since 2017, the operation of the San Javier Social Slaughterhouse, in the lower valley of the Río Negro, allows producers to access a safe operation that also provides guarantees to the consumer. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the presence of L1 larvae larvae of Trichinella spp. in domestic pigs from small and medium-scale farms. 10 grams of diaphragm from each domestic pig were analyzed by the artificial digestion method, forming pools of up to 10 animals. In total 942 domestic pigs were negative for the presence of L1 larvae of Trichinella spp. However, it should be borne in mind that production systems with the characteristics from which the analyzed animals come, would potentially be exposed to the feedback of Trichinella spp. from wildlife. Then, it is necessary to guarantee veterinary control in the slaughter of pigs and game prey and to support surveillance, updating and promotion actions in relation to the prevention of trichinellosis.

Epidemiology, diagnosis, treatment and control measures of trichinellosis in China: an overview / 中国血吸虫病防治杂志

Trichinellosis is a worldwide zoonotic parasitic disease, which may infect humans and a wide range of animals, including carnivores, herbivores and even birds. Humans get infections through ingestion of raw or semi-cooked meat or meat products containing live Trichinella larvae. Currently, this zoonosis is predominantly prevalent in southwestern, northeastern and central parts of China, which poses a great threat to human health and socioeconomic development. In addition, the emergent public health hazards caused by trichinellosis outbreaks greatly threaten human health and social stability. This review describes the current status, diagnosis, treatment and control measures of trichinellosis in China, so as to provide insights into trichinellosis control in the country.

Conocimientos y prácticas asociadas a transmisión de triquinelosis, hanta y equinococosis quística / Knowledge and practices associated with transmission of trichinellosis, hanta and cystic equinococcosis

RESUMEN Objetivo: Asociar el nivel de conocimiento y prácticas (hábitos y costumbres) responsables de la transmisión de Triquinelosis, Síndrome Cardiopulmonar por Hantavirus y Equinococosis quística (Hidatidosis), en habitantes de los sectores rurales. Material y método: Estudio descriptivo correlacional de corte transversal en el que se aplicó una encuesta a 149 habitantes residentes en el área rural de las localidades de Curacautín, Lonquimay y Melipeuco, a través de muestreo no probabilístico por conveniencia, durante los meses de diciembre 2013 a enero 2014. Resultados: La población posee mejores conocimientos de Triquinelosis y Hanta que Hidatidosis, 64,9, 72,8 y 39,3%, respectivamente; los hábitos y costumbres para Hanta e Hidatidosis alcanzan mejores prácticas (84% cada una) que para Triquinelosis (69,5%); la población reconoce correctamente reservorio, fuente de infección y mecanismos de transmisión en Triquinelosis y Hanta, pero en menor grado Hidatidosis; respecto de los hábitos y costumbres, aun desconociendo los fundamentos teóricos, reportan buenas prácticas, aunque mantienen algunas que favorecen la transmisión de infecciones predominantemente en Triquinelosis. Conclusión: El nivel de conocimiento no asegura buenas prácticas, además los conocimientos y prácticas siguen un patrón empírico más que cognitivo, respaldados por aspectos culturales y del entorno. Esto sugiere mayor participación de los equipos interdisciplinarios en comunidades aisladas para fortalecer la promoción, educación y refuerzo de las buenas prácticas de acuerdo con sus condiciones sociales e incentivar la adherencia a conductas que reduzcan el riesgo de la transmisión de zoonosis.

ABSTRACT Objective: To associate the level of knowledge and practices (habits and customs) responsible for the transmission of trichinellosis, Hanta and cystic echinococcosis (hydatidosis), among rural population. Material and method: Cross-sectional correlational descriptive study in which 149 residents of the rural areas of Curacautín, Lonquimay and Melipeuco were surveyed, using non-probability convenience sampling from December 2013 to January 2014. Results: The population has better knowledge of trichinellosis and Hanta than hydatidosis, 64.9%, 72.8 and 39.3% respectively; they also have better practices regarding Hanta and hydatidosis (84% each) than regarding trichinellosis (69.5%). The population recognizes correctly the reservoir, source of infection and transmission mechanisms of trichinellosis and Hanta, and to a lesser degree hydatidosis; they report good practices regarding habits and customs, even ignoring theoretical foundations, but maintain some practices that favor the transmission of infections related to trichinellosis. Conclusion: The level of knowledge does not ensure good practices. Additionally, knowledge and practices follow an empirical rather than cognitive pattern, rooted on cultural and environmental aspects. This suggests greater participation of interdisciplinary teams in isolated communities to strengthen the promotion, education and reinforcement of good practices in accordance with their social conditions and to encourage adherence to behaviors that reduce the risk of the transmission of zoonoses.

Therapeutic Effects of Resiniferatoxin Related with Immunological Responses for Intestinal Inflammation in Trichinellosis

The immune response against Trichinella spiralis at the intestinal level depends on the CD4⁺ T cells, which can both suppress or promote the inflammatory response through the synthesis of diverse cytokines. During the intestinal phase, the immune response is mixed (Th1/Th2) with the initial predominance of the Th1 response and the subsequent domination of Th2 response, which favor the development of intestinal pathology. In this context, the glucocorticoids (GC) are the pharmacotherapy for the intestinal inflammatory response in trichinellosis. However, its therapeutic use is limited, since studies have shown that treatment with GC suppresses the host immune system, favoring T. spiralis infection. In the search for novel pharmacological strategies that inhibit the Th1 immune response (proinflammatory) and assist the host against T. spiralis infection, recent studies showed that resiniferatoxin (RTX) had anti-inflammatory activity, which decreased the serum levels of IL-12, INF-γ, IL-1β, TNF-α, NO, and PGE₂, as well the number of eosinophils in the blood, associated with decreased intestinal pathology and muscle parasite burden. These researches demonstrate that RTX is capable to inhibit the production of Th1 cytokines, contributing to the defense against T. spiralis infection, which places it as a new potential drug modulator of the immune response.

Global outbreaks of human trichinellosis / 中国人兽共患病学报

Outbreak of trichinellosis belongs to the sudden public health events,with number of hazards and social influence,and is a serious threat to people's health and the social order stability.Through literature search,we collected the global outbreaks of human trichinellosis in recent years,focused on analyzing outbreak areas,cause of the outbreak,kind of infected meat,the number of cases,the genus of Trichinella and migration,diagnostic methods,etc.,in order to further prevent and control trichinellosis and to provide the important theoretical reference basis.

An Outbreak of Trichinellosis by Consumption of Raw Soft-Shelled Turtle Meat in Korea

Trichinellosis transmission to humans via the consumption of reptile meat is rare worldwide. In Korea, however, 2 such outbreaks, possibly via consumption of soft-shelled turtle meat, have occurred in 2 successive years. In 17 August 2014, 6 patients were admitted to Wonju Severance Christian Hospital complaining of myalgia, fever, and headache. Eosinophilia was the indication of the initial laboratory results, and they were eventually diagnosed as trichinellosis by ELISA. All of the patients worked at the same company and had eaten raw soft-shelled turtle meat at a company dinner 10 days prior to their admission. They were treated with albendazole for 2 weeks, upon which all of their symptoms disappeared. This is the 8th report on human trichinellosis in Korea, and the second implicating raw soft-shelled turtle meat.

Clinical & biochemical profile of trichinellosis outbreak in north India.

Background & objectives: Trichinellosis is a parasitic infection caused by Trichinella nematodes, acquired from consumption of raw meat. However, data from Indian subcontinent are limited. The aim of this study was to investigate the clinical and biochemical profile of a suspected trichinellosis outbreak in a village in Tehri Garhwal district of Uttarakhand state in north India. Methods: Three index cases presenting as acute febrile myalgia syndrome with eosinophilia, after consumption of uncooked pork in a common feast, were confirmed as trichinellosis on muscle biopsy. A detailed epidemiological survey was carried out in the affected community and all the people who participated in the feast were investigated for clinical and biochemical profile. Results: A total of 54 patients were evaluated in the study. The type of pork consumed included uncooked in 24 per cent (n=13), open fire roasted in 39 per cent (n=21) and fried in 37 per cent (n=20). Clinical symptoms were found in those who consumed pork in uncooked or open fire roasted form (n=34). These included fever with chills and myalgia (100%), periorbital oedema (67%), dyspnoea (9%), and dysphagia (3%). Laboratory parameters studied in both symptomatic and asymptomatic patients showed eosinophilia in 90 per cent (n=41), raised ESR in 98 per cent (n=45), and an elevated creatinine phosphokinase (CPK) level in 85 per cent (n=39). All symptomatic patients were treated with a short course of oral steroids and albendazole therapy. Conclusions: Trichinella infection is not uncommon in India, and should be suspected in case of acute febrile myalgia especially in areas, where habits of consumption of raw meat is more prevalent.

Cardiac Parasitic Infection in Trichinellosis Associated with Right Ventricle Outflow Tract Obstruction

Here, we present a rare case of cardiac parasitic infection found in an adult female patient who had the symptoms of dyspnea upon exertion. She was diagnosed with a double-chambered right ventricle due to infundibular hypertrophy confirmed by transthoracic echocardiography and cardiac computed tomography. We performed surgery of infundibulectomy around the pulmonary valve. In the end, histopathological findings of the resected infundibular muscle demonstrated trichinellosis, a type of roundworm infection.

Determinantes de infestación durante un brote de trichinellosis en el sudoeste de la provincia de Buenos Aires / Determinants of infestation during an outbreak of trichinellosis in southwest Buenos Aires province / Determinantes da infecçâo durante um surto de triquinose no sudoeste da provincia de Buenos Aires

Se estudió la asociación entre infestación, parámetros de laboratorio y signos clínicos en personas expuestas a infestación por Trichinella spiralis durante un brote de trichinellosis en el sudoeste de la provincia de Buenos Aires, Argentina. Asimismo, se investigó el grado de concordancia entre las pruebas inmunoserológicas más comúnmente utilizadas en el diagnóstico de trichinellosis humana. En las personas expuestas, la presencia de síntomas clínicos y los niveles elevados de la enzima creatina fosfoquinasa al día 7 post-exposición se asociaron significativamente con la infestación al día 30 post-exposición. Por el contrario, la eosinofilia (>7%) a los siete días postexposición no se asoció al estado de infestación a los 30 días post-exposición. El mayor grado de concordancia entre pruebas inmunoserológicas se dio entre el par ELISA-Western Blot tanto al día 7 como 30 post-exposición.

The association between infestation, laboratory parameters and clinical signs was investigated in human patients exposed to Trichinella spiralis during an outbreak of human trichinellosis in southwest Buenos Aires province, Argentina. The degree of agreement between immunoserological tests commonly used for diagnosis of human trichinellosis was determined. Among exposed individuals, the presence of clinical symptoms and high concentration of the creatine phosphoquinase enzyme 7 days post-exposure was significantly associated with infestation by day 30 post-exposure. Contrarily, Randazzo V et al. a high level of eosinophils (>7%) 7 days post-exposure was not associated with infestation by day 30 post-exposure. Test agreement was highest between ELISA and Western Blot both by days 7 and 30 post-exposure.

Foi estudada a associagáo entre a infestagáo, parámetros laboratoriais e sinais clínicos em pessoas expostas à infestagáo por Trichinella spiralis durante um surto de triquinose, no sudoeste da provincia de Buenos Aires, Argentina. Também se pesquisou o grau de concordáncia entre os testes imunosorológicos mais comumente utilizados no diagnóstico de triquinose humana. Em pessoas expostas, a presenga de sintomas clínicos e os níveis elevados da enzima creatina fosfoquinase no dia 7 pós-exposigáo foram associados significativamente à infestagáo no dia 30 pós-exposigáo. Em contraste, a eosinofilia (> 7%) aos sete dias pós-exposigáo náo foi associada ao estado de infestagáo aos 30 dias pós-exposigáo. O maior grau de concordáncia entre testes imunoserológicos ocorreu entre o par de ELISA-Western Blot tanto no dia 7 quanto no dia 30 pós-exposigáo.

Estudio epidemiológico de los casos de triquinelosis registrados en la provincia de Santa Fe, Argentina, 1998-2009 / Epidemiological study of recorded trichinosis cases in Santa Fe Province, Argentina, 1998-2009

OBJETIVO: Caracterizar desde los puntos de vista epidemiológico, clínico y de laboratorio los casos y brotes de triquinelosis que se registraron en la provincia de Santa Fe, Argentina, entre 1998 y 2009. MÉTODOS: Se analizaron 1 519 fichas epidemiológicas de personas que presentaron síntomas y signos compatibles con triquinelosis en la provincia de Santa Fe en el período 1998-2009. Se realizó el análisis estadístico descriptivo de la información contenida en las fichas epidemiológicas y los resultados clínicos y de laboratorio; se aplicó el análisis bifactorial para determinar las posibles asociaciones con factores epidemiológicos y ambientales. RESULTADOS: Se encontraron síntomas de triquinelosis en 1 276 casos; 372 cumplían la definición de caso clínico y 224 muestras resultaron positivas por inmunofluorescencia indirecta, independientemente de su clasificación como caso clínico. Se identificaron 27 brotes que involucraron a 1 157 casos en ocho departamentos, con mayor frecuencia en el centro y el sur de la provincia. La distribución anual de los casos asociados epidemiológicamente entre sí fue heterogénea, con una mayor frecuencia en el período 2000-2003 y en los meses de agosto a octubre. Hubo mayor probabilidad de enfermar cuando se consumieron productos de fuentes informales (OR = 3,69; P = 0,014) y en las áreas rurales (OR = 1,799; P = 0,011). El período de incubación de la enfermedad (mediana) fue de 12 días. Las personas que consumieron carne de cerdo o sus derivados tuvieron 2,06 veces más riesgo de enfermar que las que no la consumieron. CONCLUSIONES: El mayor número de brotes ocurrió en los departamentos más poblados y con mayor producción porcina. Se deben diseñar acciones específicas de prevención y control de la enfermedad en esos departamentos. Se debe considerar el análisis epidemiológico de riesgos al evaluar, gestionar y comunicar los riesgos sanitarios de triquinelosis.

OBJECTIVE: To characterize recorded trichinosis cases and outbreaks in Santa Fe Province, Argentina, from 1998 to 2009 from epidemiological, clinical, and laboratory viewpoints. METHODS: An analysis was conducted of 1 519 epidemiological records of persons who had signs and symptoms compatible with trichinosis in Santa Fe Province in the period 1998-2009. A descriptive statistical analysis of information in epidemiological records and of clinical and laboratory results, as well as a bifactorial analysis of possible associations with epidemiological and environmental factors were also carried out. RESULTS: Trichinosis symptoms were found in 1 276 cases; 372 met the clinical case definition and 224 samples were positive by indirect immunofluorescence, independent of their clinical case classification. There were 27 outbreaks that involved 1 157 cases identified in eight departments, with greater frequency in the province's center and south. Annual distribution of epidemiologically associated cases was heterogeneous, with greater frequency in the period 2000-2003 and in the months of August to October. Probability of becoming sick was greater with consumption of products from informal sources (OR = 3.69; P = 0.014) and in rural areas (OR = 1.799; P = 0.011). Disease incubation period (median) was 12 days. The risk of becoming sick was 2.06 times greater in persons who ate meat or ate pork by-products than in those who did not. CONCLUSIONS: The greatest number of outbreaks occurred in departments that were more populous and where pork production was greater. Specific actions should be designed for prevention and control of the disease in those departments. Epidemiological risk analysis should be considered in evaluating, managing, and communicating trichinosis health risks.

An Outbreak of Trichinellosis with Detection of Trichinella Larvae in Leftover Wild Boar Meat

The clinical diagnosis of trichinellosis can be difficult due to lack of pathognomonic signs or symptoms. In Korea, since the first report of human infection by Trichinella spiralis in 1997 following the consumption of raw badger meat, there have been occasional trichinellosis outbreaks. We describe an outbreak of 12 cases of trichinellosis in Korea and implicate raw wild boar meat as the culprit. A total of 27 larvae of Trichinella (0.54 larvae per gram of meat) were recovered from the leftover raw wild boar meat.

Serología para triquinosis en dadores de sangre en área no endémica de la Argentina / Trichinellosis serology in blood-donors from a non-endemic area of Argentina

El presente estudio tuvo como objetivo determinar la presencia de triquinosis humana en un área considerada históricamente libre de esta parasitosis en la Argentina. Se evaluó la parasitosis mediante técnicas inmunoserológicas y su relación con los hábitos alimenticios de riesgo mediante un cuestionario realizado a 150 donantes de sangre. Las encuestas revelaron que el 98.0% (n=147) de los individuos consumía carne de cerdo y/o derivados con elevada frecuencia. Los principales productos porcinos incorporados a la alimentación habitual fueron los chacinados. El 80.3% (n=118) de los individuos adquirían los productos en carnicerías, el 38.1% (n=56) en faenas domiciliarias y el 34.0% (n=50) en supermercados. Las técnicas inmunoserológicas utilizadas para el diagnóstico de triquinosis fueron: enzimoinmunoanálisis, inmunofluorescencia indirecta y/o inmunoelectrotransferencia. En el 8.0% (n=12) de los sueros de los individuos se detectaron anticuerpos anti-Trichinella por más de una de las técnicas realizadas, considerándose este resultado diagnóstico confirmatorio de triquinosis. Los estudios realizados demuestran la existencia de triquinosis humana en un área considerada libre de esta parasitosis y sugieren su relación con la ingesta de carne porcina y/o sus subproductos, hábito alimenticio de riesgo. Estos resultados indican que la falta de denuncia de casos de la enfermedad no debe ser el único criterio a tener en cuenta para considerar a una región área libre de triquinosis. El conocimiento de la presencia del parásito en un área determinada favorece la instauración de medidas de control y prevención evitando la diseminación de la parasitosis.

The aim of the present study was to determine the presence of human trichinellosis in an area of Argentina historically regarded as free of this parasitic disease. This parasitosis was assessed on 150 blood donors by means of immunoserological tests, and their relation with risk alimentary habits by a questionnaire. The questionnaires showed that 98.0% (n=147) of the individuals consumed pork and pork products at a high frequency. The main pork products incorporated to the habitual diet were the stuffed ones. A 80.3% (n=118) of the individuals had acquired such products at butchers, a 38.1% (n=56) at home slaughters and a 34.0% (n=50) at supermarkets. The immunoserological techniques employed were: enzyme immunoanalysis, indirect immunofluorescence and/or immunoelectrotransfer blot assay. Anti-Trichinella antibodies were detected in 8.0% (n=12) of the serum samples by more than one of the methodologies employed, considering these results as confirmatory of trichinellosis. The studies carried out herein demonstrate the existence of human trichinellosis in an area historically regarded as free of this parasitic disease and suggest its relationship with the ingestion of pork or pork products as a risk factor. These results indicate that the lack of reports should not be the only criterion for an area to be considered as Trichinella-free. The awareness of the existence of the parasite in a region will favor the establishment of control and prevention strategies which is of fundamental importance to avoid the spread of the disease.

Highly sensitive Immuno-PCR assay for the detection of the circulating antigens in trichinellosis / 中国人兽共患病学报

A highly sensitive immuno-PCR assay based on sandwich ELISA and PCR was developed to detect the circulating antigen in trichinellosis. Antigens were purified from the muscle larvae of Trichinella spiralis, and the myeloma cells were fused with spenocytes immunized with T. spiralis antigens to product the specific monoclonal antibodies. Indirect ELISA was used to select the antibody-secreting hybrodoma cells. By this method of procedure, monoclonal antibody F4C6 against the T. spiralis ES antigen was obtained, which was used as the indicator antibody, while the rabbit polyclonal antibodies against T. spiralis were to be used as capturing antibodies. The plasmid Bluecript Ⅱ KS was amplified by PCR with biotin-labeled primer M13-20, and thus the biotin-labeled DNA was obtained. Both the second antibody and DNA labeled with biotin were to be linked with 100 ng/ml avidin. The whole procedures of assay consisted of two steps, in which the circulating antigens were captured by monoclonal antibody through sandwich ELISA in the first step, and the DNA linked by monoclonal antibody was amplified by PCR in the second step. The sensitivity of this method was compared with that of the ELISA assay. It was found that the measuring ranges to detect the circulating antigens in trichinellosis were 50 pg/L to 0.005 pg/L for the immuno-PCR assay, and 5 μg/L to 0.05 μg/L for ELISA assay, the former was quite higher than that of the latter. It is evident that this method is highly sensitive for the detection of circulating antigens in trichinellosis.

An outbreak of trichinellosis caused by ingestion of raw wild boar / 대한내과학회지

Trichinellosis is one of the most widespread helminthic zoonoses. Unlike other parasitic infestation, it has been reported in advanced countries where there is a great amount of meat consumption such as Europe and America. In Korea, trichinellosis has been suspected to be prevalent for a long time, but it had not been reported up to 1997. However, three reports of human trichinellosis were published recently. An outbreak of trichinellosis caused by ingestion of raw wild boar occurred in Inje-gun, Gangwon-do, Korea, in Mar 2003. 13 people ate raw wild boar meat together, and then they had high fever, myalgia, facial edema, etc. Hematologic and biochemical examinations revealed leukocytosis, eosinophilia, and elevated AST, ALT, LDH, CPK. Muscle biopsy in rectus femoralis was performed in one index case, we detected two parasites in muscle fibers. And we measured specific antibody titers against Trichinella spiralis ES Ag in 12 patients. More than 3~4 fold higher antibody titer was noted in 11 patients compared with normal controls. We treated these cases with albendazole and steroid for 5 days.

Emergence of trichinellosis in Tuan Giao district, Dien Bien province

Twenty persons in the Quai To commune, Tuan Giao district of the Northwest province of Dien Bien were infected with Trichinella on September 2004. All these 20 patients were determined to have eaten raw lean pork ("lap" dish) from a local pick. Typical clinical symptoms were found in all the patients. Most patients were male (85%) and aged from 22 to 65 with most of 31-40 years old. The clinical symptoms appeared within 1-2 weeks in all patients and most of them had fever (100%), muscular pain (100%), difficult moving (100%), oedema (95%), dysphagia (90%), weight loss (90%), itching (85%), dyspnea (80%), diarrhea (50%), lisp (40%), abdominal pain (35%)

Application of Dot-immunogold Filtration Assay in Detection of IgG in Sera of Trichinellosis Patients / 中国寄生虫学与寄生虫病杂志

0.05). Conclusion The dot-immunogold filtration assay is rapid and simple for performing and reading in the detection of IgG against T.s with high sensitivity and specificity.

Diagnosis and Treatment of Trichinellosis / 中国寄生虫学与寄生虫病杂志

Lack of specific symptoms and signs makes clinical diagnosis of trichinellosis difficult. Epidemiological information is important, such as a history of ingesting raw or undercooked meat. An outbreak can be traced to a group of people dining together. Usual manifestations include abdominal pain or diarrhea with general discomfort in the enteric stage, and fever, eyelid or facial edema, muscle pain in acute stage. Complications, such as myocarditis, pneumonia, encephalitis, may develop in severe cases. Eosinophilia appears between 2 and 5 weeks after infection. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA) using the excretory-secretory(ES) antigens of the muscle larvae or synthetic tyvelose as antigen is sensitive and specific, the serological method of choice as a screening test. Western blotting is needed to confirm the positive ELISA. Definitive diagnosis depends on the finding of larvae in a muscle biopsy specimen. Albendazole is the drug of choice for its treatment, 20-30 mg/(kg?d), two times daily for 5-7 days. Glucocorticosteroids are given only to severe cases and always be used in combination with albendazole, since they could prolong the intestinal phase of the infection and increase the muscle larval burdens.