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Western blot (Wb) is considered to be the gold standard test for Trichinella infection serology, since this method allows specific Trichinella antigens to be distinguished from cross-reactive antigens. This is not the case with widely used antibody assay techniques - indirect immunofluorescence and ELISA - which are sensitive, but subject to crossreactions that make the interpretation of weakly positive results difficult. Application of Trichinella spiralis muscle larvae excretory-secretory (ES) antigens for the specific antibody detection in ELISA resulted in improved specificity compared to that of crude worm extract that was previously in use, but since production of ES has not yet been standardized, differences among laboratories occur. For this reason, the Wb profile of serum samples from different T. spiralis infected host species: human, horse, swine and dog, was investigated in the Serbian National Reference Laboratory for Trichinellosis (NRLT). The common feature of the obtained Wb profiles was the appearance of a triad of bands with molecular masses (Mw) of 45, 49, and 53 kDa. The very same triad was recognized by a monoclonal antibody (mAb) 7C2C5 specific for an immunodominant epitope unique to the muscle larvae stage of all species in the genus Trichinella. Inhibition studies confirmed that mAb and anti-Trichinella antibodies from sera competed for the same parasite epitope. Based on the obtained results, the NRLT introduced the recognition of the above mention triad as the basis for specific anti-Trichinella antibodies detection in the sera of infected hosts.

Summary:Application of new tools for epizootiological investigations in veterinary medicine, such as Geographical Information Systems (GIS), offers a new approach and possibilities for the eradication or control of infectious diseases. GIS is particularly useful for research conducted in small areas strongly impacted by man. Trichinellosis is a world-wide zoonosis, which is endemic in some European countries, Balkan district and Serbia in particular. There are very few data on GIS application in the field of trichinellosis. We here present the application of GIS for mapping Trichinella spp. occurrence and spatial and temporal patterns of Trichinella infection in one endemic district in Serbia. Settlements with trichinellosis were marked and particular points of interest were designated. Data on prevalence of Trichinella infection in domestic swine accompanied by location of foci indicated the existence of disease geographical stationarity. This first report on GIS application in Serbia will facilitate trichinellosis surveillance and monitoring of Trichinella spp. circulation among domestic pigs, and populations of synanthropic and sylvatic animals.

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Background. Trichinellosis is zoonotic disease caused by parasites of the genus Trichinella, which have a cosmopolitan distribution. In the Balkan region, including Serbia, trichinellosis is endemic. Although trichinellosis shows a decreasing incidence in Serbia, this disease remains a serious problem for human health and animal husbandry. Scope and Approach. To prevent and control Trichinella spp. infections in domestic and sylvatic animals, risk analysis for these zoonotic parasites should be conducted. In Serbia, a limited number of Trichinella have been identified to the species level so far. An institutional, multi-sectoral surveillance system, supported by an adequate legal framework for the detection, surveillance, prevention, control and reporting of this infection in animals and humans, harmonised with the EU legislation, is a priority. Key Findings and Conclusions. One of the main goals of the Serbian veterinary and public health services should be progressive improvement of animal rearing practices, food safety, and hunters' and consumers' education through the "One-health" approach.

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The paper examines the presence and distribution of infections caused by Brucella canis in different categories of dogs in the territory of the Municipality of Pozarevac. A total of 151 dogs were examined, and 74 blood serums originated from dogs of known owners and 77 from stray dogs. The investigations were carried out also on 40 samples of full blood of stray dogs, as well as fetal organs and reproductive organs of a serologically positive female following hysterectomy. Investigations included a clinical examination of the dogs, rapid serum agglutination, slow serum agglutination, and isolation of the cause. In all the examined dogs, the rapid agglutination test gave a positive result in 16.55% of the examined samples, the slow agglutination test 11.25%, which is an extremely high percentage in comparison with other regions of our country. Therapy using antibiotics, zoohygienic measures, castration or hysterectomy (as attempts to avoid residue and break the chain of the transfer of the infection) are conditions for out rooting the disease. Control of stray dogs is necessary, as they present the basic source of the infection. The results obtained in the course of these investigations indicate the absolute justification of including this contagious disease in the group of diseases whose reporting is compulsory.