[Clinical, serological and parasitological aspects of an outbreak of human trichinellosis in Villa Mercedes, San Luis, Argentina. The acute and chronic phases of the infection]

Medicina (B Aires). 2005;65(4):302-6.
[Article in Spanish]

Abstract

Clinical and serological features of individuals undergoing the acute (n: 54) and chronic (n: 32) phases of trichinellosis belonging to an outbreak originated by the consumption of pork products of a commercial source, arisen in Argentina, are described. Epidemiological data, signs, symptoms, and laboratory studies were assessed. Parasitological studies were performed in patients and pork products. Results showed that: a) the parasite burden of pork products was 200.0 +/- 18.3 larvae/g; b) muscle larvae were demonstrated in 10 out of the 11 patients studied; c) during the acute phase, fever (94%), eosinophilia (90%), myalgia (85%), headache (81%), facial edema (54%), diarrhoea (52%) and anti-Trichinella antibodies (64%) were observed; d) 15% of the patients had to be hospitalized, 7% having complications; e) during the chronic phase, myalgia (72%), sight abnormalities (22%), gastrointestinal disorders (31%) and the persistence of antibodies (77%) were observed. This study highlights the socioeconomical impact of trichinellosis due to the clinical characteristics of the acute phase and the presence of symptoms in the chronic phase.

Publication types

  • English Abstract
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Acute Disease
  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Animals
  • Argentina / epidemiology
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Chronic Disease
  • Disease Outbreaks / statistics & numerical data*
  • Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay
  • Female
  • Fluorescent Antibody Technique, Indirect
  • Food Parasitology*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Meat Products / parasitology*
  • Middle Aged
  • Serologic Tests
  • Swine / parasitology
  • Trichinella / isolation & purification
  • Trichinellosis / diagnosis
  • Trichinellosis / epidemiology*
  • Trichinellosis / parasitology