[Epidemiology of trichinosis in Italy: correlation between the wild cycle and man]

In Italy trichinellosis is a zoonosis caused by Trichinella nelsoni, with an exclusively sylvatic cycle involving wild and synanthropic animals (fox, wolf, stray dog, wild boar, foraging pig). The recent increase and diffusion of wild boar population in all Italy, have caused two human epidemic foci of trichinellosis involving about 100 persons in the years 1985-1986. The custom of eating fox meat have caused other human infections. The results of serological examinations of wild boar population showed the role played by this animal in the epidemiology of the disease. The examination of rodent population has pointed out the infection in these mammals (rat, porcupine). The epidemiological implications of wild cycle on man are reported.