New patterns of Trichinella infection

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Medicine
• Parasitology
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Human and animal trichinellosis represent both emerging and reemerging disease threats.
• Reemergence in domestic cycles is linked to weakened veterinary services, economic issues, and increased small-scale farming.
• Sylvatic cycles show diverse etiological agents and novel transmission patterns, with game animals posing a greater human infection risk.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze the current status and emerging patterns of trichinellosis in both domestic and sylvatic cycles.
• To identify the etiological agents and transmission routes contributing to the reemergence of trichinellosis.
• To highlight the role of various animal reservoirs, including game animals, birds, and crocodiles, in the epidemiology of trichinellosis.

Main Methods:

• Review of epidemiological data on Trichinella prevalence in swine and game animals.
• Analysis of biological characteristics of different Trichinella species, including encapsulated and non-encapsulated forms.
• Investigation of novel transmission patterns involving a wide range of hosts.

Main Results:

• Significant increase in Trichinella spiralis prevalence in swine herds in Eastern Europe and former USSR countries.
• Identification of diverse Trichinella species (e.g., T. nativa, T. britovi, T. pseudospiralis) in different geographical regions.
• Emergence of new transmission cycles involving game animals, birds, crocodiles, and horses, particularly in relation to human practices.

Conclusions:

• Trichinellosis requires continuous monitoring due to its reemerging nature and evolving transmission dynamics.
• Understanding the role of diverse hosts and novel Trichinella species is crucial for effective control strategies.
• Public health interventions must address changing agricultural practices and human behaviors that facilitate parasite transmission.