Statistical approach to Trichinella infection in horses handled by rural slaughterhouses across five distinctive socioeconomic regions in Mexico

ABSTRACT

Abstract This work aimed to investigate the prevalence of Trichinella infection in horses (Equus ferus caballus) handled by rural slaughterhouses across five distinctive socioeconomic regions in Mexico. Serum samples were obtained by non-probabilistic convenience sampling in the Eastern, Southern Central and Western regions (100 samples of each). Additionally, muscle tissue samples were collected from the East (n = 45), Southeastern (n = 88), Southern Central (n = 39) and Southwestern (n = 11) regions. Antibodies were determined by Western blot and the muscle tissue was examined by artificial digestion. A global antibody prevalence of 2% was obtained. Regionally, a prevalence of 5% was observed in the East and 1% in the Southern Central region. No antibodies were detected in the West region and no larvae were found in the muscle tissue samples. These findings support the low presence of Trichinella in Mexican horses, which can positively impact the Mexican horse meat trade.

RESUMEN

Resumen Se investigó la prevalencia de Trichinella en caballos (Equus ferus caballus) demataderos rurales en cinco regiones socioeconómicas de México. Los sueros se obtuvieron por Trichinella muestreo de conveniencia no probabilístico en las regiones Este, Centrosur y Oeste (100 muestras de cada una). Además se colectaron muestras de tejido muscular de animales de las regionesEste (n = 45), Centro Sur (n = 39), Sudeste (n = 88) y Sudoeste (n = 11). Los anticuerpos se determinaron por Western blot y el tejido muscular se examinó por digestión artificial. Se obtuvo una prevalencia global de anticuerpos del 2%. A nivel regional se observó una prevalencia del 5% enel Este y del 1% en el Centrosur. No se detectaron anticuerpos en el Oeste y no se encontraron larvas en el tejido muscular. Los datos respaldan la baja presencia de Trichinella en caballos mexicanos, lo que puede impactar positivamente en su comercio.