Detection of Trichinella infection in food animals

The first part of this review article deals with classical methods used for the detection of Trichinella larvae in muscle samples of those animal spec ies which are recognized as traditional sources of trichinellosis for human beings, as well as those species which are important for epidemiological r easons. Special consideration is given to the main applications of these me thods (routine slaughter inspection, and epidemiological studies in reservo ir animals), and to the major factors that may influence detection methods (sampling site, sample size). Historical, current and future aspects concer ning national and EU legislation for Trichinella inspection are also presen ted. The latter part of this review is directed at serodiagnostic methods for th e detection of Trichinella-specific antibodies in different animal species. Classical methods of serodiagnosis such as the complement fixation test an d immunofluorescence antibody test are reviewed and the characteristics and performance of the ELISA are discussed. Factors dependent upon the animal species being tested or on components of the ELISA. test system are conside red. This paper also reviews systematic development of the ELISA in relatio n to improvements in test specificity and sensitivity. Additionally, remark s are made on implementing this test for surveillance and control programs in domestic pigs and wildlife. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights re served.