The significance of changing trends in trichinellosis

Findings during the past two decades have indicated that there are changing trends in trichinellosis in terms of (1) new isolates of Trichinella, (2) new sources of meat, including meat of herbivorous animals and of a greater variety of wild animals, (3) increasing number of cases among new ethnic groups in the USA, and (4) the emergence of new foci in Asia. These changes offer new challenges that warrant our attention. The characterization of each of the new isolates of Trichinella, particularly with respect to its infectivity, has become critical. Since herbivorous animals have been implicated as the source for human infections, thorough cooking of all animal meat is compulsory. Ethnic groups who continue to prepare their food in traditional manner must be informed of the potential danger of trichinellosis and the need for modification in preparation. The emergence of new foci for human trichinellosis emphasizes the importance of direct communication and interaction on a worldwide basis regarding the parasite and the infection.