[Trichinellosis in slaughtered and wild animals in Switzerland using a digestion method and a serologic method (E/S-ELISA)].
Abstract: For many decades trichinellosis has not been reported among Swiss domestic pigs. Considering the fact that Trichinella occurs in a sylvatic cycle in Switzerland, a study was designed to reevaluate the present epidemiologic situation by investigating 10,904 fattening pigs, 218 pigs with free access to pasturage or being kept on an alp, 104 domestic boars, 106 horses, 44 wild boars and 538 foxes using a direct and an indirect diagnostic technique (digestion method and serology with ELISA and an excretory/secretory antigen, respectively). The digestion method was performed according to EC-guidelines. Furthermore, 25,239 sera originating from a Swiss sow-serum bank were tested retrospectively for anti-Trichinella antibodies. Trichinella was not detectable in all domestic pigs using the digestion method. Serologically, 3 fattening pigs (0.027%) and 9 sows (0.036%) demonstrated weak antibody reactivities against the Trichinella E/S-antigen. Based upon statistical calculations for the negative-positive threshold, these antibody-reactions were considered to be within the normal range of variability of the test. Although statistically restricted, the results of the present study indicate the absence of Trichinella within the Swiss pig population. Based upon the rational applicability of the ELISA and its diagnostic sensitivity and specificity, this test appears as the most suitable method to perform large-scale screenings among slaughter pigs. Pigs with free access to pasturage and boars were all parasitologically and serologically negative for Trichinella. The digestion method showed that horses and wild boars were all parasitologically negative, whereas 1.3% of the foxes were positive for Trichinella larvae.
Publication Date: 1994-01-01 PubMed ID: 7973563
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- English Abstract
- Journal Article
Summary
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The research analyzed the prevalence of trichinellosis, a parasitic disease caused by roundworms of the Trichinella type, in both slaughtered and wild animals in Switzerland. The study concluded that Trichinella was not detectable in domestic pigs, and based on the results, the ELISA test was deemed the most suitable method for large-scale screenings among slaughter pigs.
Methodology
- The study involved the analysis of nearly 10,904 fattening pigs, 218 pigs with free access to pasture, 104 domestic boars, 106 horses, 44 wild boars and 538 foxes.
- Both a direct (digestion method) and an indirect (serology with ELISA and an excretory/secretory antigen) diagnostic technique were used.
- The digestion method was performed following the EC guidelines.
- In addition to this, 25,239 sera from a Swiss sow-serum bank were tested retrospectively for antibodies against Trichinella.
Results and Discussion
- No evidence of Trichinella was found in all domestic pigs using the digestion method.
- In the serological test, 3 fattening pigs (0.027%) and 9 sows (0.036%) showed weak antibody responses against the Trichinella E/S-antigen.
- However, based on statistical calculations, these reactions were considered to be within the normal range of variability of the test.
- The study, even with its statistical limitations, suggest that Trichinella is absent in the Swiss pig population.
- As a result of the study’s findings, the ELISA test, due to its diagnostic sensitivity and specificity, was determined to be the best method for large-scale screenings amongst slaughter pigs.
- All pigs with free access to pasturage and boars were found to be parasitologically and serologically negative for Trichinella.
- The digestion method demonstrated that all horses and wild boars were also negative for the parasite, but 1.3% of foxes tested positive for Trichinella larvae.
Conclusion
- The study highlights the fact that Trichinellosis is currently not a concern for the Swiss pig population.
- However, the presence of Trichinella larvae in foxes suggests a need for ongoing surveillance in the wild-animal population.
- Moreover, the ELISA test was recommended for future large-scale screening of slaughter pigs due to its efficiency and accuracy.
Cite This Article
APA
Jakob HP, Eckert J, Jemmi T, Gottstein B.
(1994).
[Trichinellosis in slaughtered and wild animals in Switzerland using a digestion method and a serologic method (E/S-ELISA)].
Schweiz Arch Tierheilkd, 136(9), 298-308.
Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Institut für Parasitologie, Universität Zürich.
MeSH Terms
- Abattoirs
- Animals
- Animals, Wild
- Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay / veterinary
- Female
- Foxes / parasitology
- Horse Diseases / diagnosis
- Horse Diseases / epidemiology
- Horses
- Male
- Swine
- Swine Diseases / diagnosis
- Swine Diseases / epidemiology
- Switzerland / epidemiology
- Trichinellosis / diagnosis
- Trichinellosis / epidemiology
- Trichinellosis / veterinary
Citations
This article has been cited 2 times.- López-Olvera JR, Vives L, Serrano E, Fernández-Sirera L, Picart L, Rossi L, Marco I, Bigas E, Lavín S. Trichinella sp. in red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) from Catalonia, NE Spain. Parasitol Res 2011 Jun;108(6):1589-91.
- Gottstein B, Pozio E, Nöckler K. Epidemiology, diagnosis, treatment, and control of trichinellosis. Clin Microbiol Rev 2009 Jan;22(1):127-45, Table of Contents.
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