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Title: TRICHINELLA SPP.: SCREENING ANIMALS WITH E/S ELISA VERSUS THE DIGESTION METHOD

Author
item GOTTSTEIN B - UNIV BERN, SWITZERLAND
item GAMBLE H RAY - 1265-40-00

Submitted to: Parasitology International Congress
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 8/6/1994
Publication Date: N/A
Citation: N/A

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Swiss domestic pigs have been considered as Trichinella-free despite that Trichinella occurs in a wildlife cycle. In an epidemiological survey 10,904 fattened pigs, 218 pigs from pastures/alps, 104 boars, 106 horses for slaughter, 44 wild boars and 538 foxes were examined for Trichinella infestation with a direct (digestion method) and a serological method (ELISA) based on E/S antigens in order to ascertain the current situation. The digestion method was carried out in accordance with prevailing EC directives. 25,239 sera from sows provided by a serum bank were tested retrospectively by means of the serological method only. Among the domestic pigs, the digestion method all yielded negative results; serologically, 3 fattened pigs (0.027%) and 9 sows (0.036%) showed weak antibody reactions to the E/S-antigen. Based on statistical calculations for the determination of the test's threshold value, these findings were considered as being within the expected norm. Therefore, subject to statistical restriction, the results of both detection methods do not indicate an incidence of Trichinella sp. in the Swiss domestic pig population. Owing to its sensitivity, specificity and efficiency of application, the ELISA test used has proved suitable for the (mass) testing of hogs. Pigs from pastures/alps and boars tested parasitologically and serologically negative. By means of the digestion method Trichinella infestations was not detected in horses or in wild boars but was found in 1.3% of the tested foxes.