Trichinella pseudospiralis an elusive nematode

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Parasitology
• Infectious Disease Epidemiology
• Zoonotic Research

Background:

• Trichinella pseudospiralis larvae do not encapsulate in muscle cells, distinguishing it from other Trichinella species.
• Despite over 40 years since discovery, the epidemiology of T. pseudospiralis remains incompletely understood.
• Increased use of digestion tests has led to more frequent reports of T. pseudospiralis detection.

Purpose of the Study:

• To consolidate and re-evaluate current knowledge on the epidemiology of Trichinella pseudospiralis.
• To compile data from scientific literature and the International Trichinella Reference Center database.
• To analyze the host range and geographical distribution of T. pseudospiralis infections.

Main Methods:

• Systematic literature review.
• Data collection from the International Trichinella Reference Center website.
• Analysis of reported isolates and host species.

Main Results:

• T. pseudospiralis was identified in 18 mammalian species and 8 avian species, with 249 isolates reported globally.
• The parasite has been documented in 19 of 28 European Union countries.
• Zoonotic transmission to humans was confirmed in 128 cases of trichinellosis.
• A wider host range may compensate for the lower prevalence of T. pseudospiralis compared to encapsulated species.

Conclusions:

• Trichinella pseudospiralis demonstrates a remarkably wide host tropism across both mammals and birds.
• The expanding detection rates highlight the importance of T. pseudospiralis as a zoonotic agent.
• Further research is needed to fully elucidate the epidemiological role of avian hosts in T. pseudospiralis transmission.