Trichinellosis, a threatening and re-emerging disease in a Romanian western county

Trichinellosis is frequently reported in east European countries like Romania, where the yearly incidence during 1990-1999 was 5.5 cases/100,000 inhabitants. Arad, a western Romanian county, is known as one of the most endemic regions of trichinellosis. A major and unforgettable epidemic of trichinellosis has developed at the beginning of 1973 in this county. The present study focuses on human trichinellosis patients from Arad County, emphasizing on epidemiological, clinical, laboratory, and therapeutic aspects.

Retrospective analysis of the medical records of 335 patients found to have trichinellosis during 1996-2006 and hospitalized in Arad County. The mean age of the trichinellosis patients was 33.6 years, and majority (64.8%) were inhabitants of the rural areas.

Winter was the season with the highest number of cases (71.6%). Fever was the most frequent manifestation of the disease (85.4%), followed by myalgia (83%). Eosinophilia ranged predominantly between 20% and 20.99% (19.4%). Albendazole was the specific drug administered in 49.4% of the patients.

Trichinellosis still remains a concern and a major issue of public health in Arad County. Implementation of strict hygienic measures, especially in the rural areas, must be a priority.