[Serologic study of 51 cases of human trichinosis]

During the course of a recent epidemic of trichinosis two immunodiagnostic techniques were tested. Firstly indirect immunofluorescence (IF) using sections of the diaphram of infected mice and isolated trichine larvae. Secondly gel precipitation reactions, immunodiffusion and immunoelectrophoresis. It was observed that the induced specific antibodies appeared later than the clinical symptoms and the hypereosinophilia; the delay in appearance of the first positives detected being at least two to three weeks. Subsequently the titres rose rapidly and raised levels persisted for several months. Indirect immunofluorescence of excysted larvae remains the technique of choice, being rapid, sensitive and quantitative. The association of fluorescent and precipitation technique reduces the errors caused by cross reactions with other helminths.