Epidemiological perspective associated with principal risk factors of Trichinella spiralis infection in pigs and humans in Egypt

Abstract

Background and Aim: In Egypt, there is a scarcity of recent data on trichinellosis in pigs and humans. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the epidemiological profile and risk factors associated with Trichinella spiralis infection as well as to assess the effectiveness of the trichinoscope and digestion technique in diagnosing trichinellosis. Materials and Methods: Data were collected on 33812 pigs slaughtered during a year at the Al-Basateen abattoir, Cairo Governorate, Egypt. The slaughtered pigs had already been examined by trichinoscope in the abattoir. The diagnostic effectiveness technique was randomly conducted on 170 pork muscle samples, which were examined using the digestion technique. Furthermore, 90 serum samples from high-risk individuals in Qena and Sohag Governorates, Upper Egypt, were analyzed using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results: The investigation revealed that the overall prevalence was 1.06% in pigs by trichinoscope. Of the examined 170 samples, 2.35% and 3.35% were found to harbor Trichinella by trichinoscope and artificial digestion, respectively. Trichinella was identified as T. spiralis using a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique. A significant relationship was affirmed between the prevalence of trichinellosis and the sex and age of the examined pigs. Likewise, for the first time, there was a considerable seasonal trend in the prevalence of Trichinella with the maximum infection, which was observed during Autumn (1.18%). The prevalence of trichinellosis in humans was 10%, with a significant association with age. Conclusion: Our findings are intended to serve as a starting point for developing effective preventive and control measures for trichinellosis (as application of Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points (HACCP) in pig farms, stop feeding pigs on garbage as well as, preventing illegal slaughter of pigs outside the slaughterhouses). It also fortifies the establishment of the digestion technique because of its high specificity and sensitivity, although it is difficult to apply to a large number of samples.

Seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii, Neospora caninum and Trichinella spp. in Pigs from Cairo, Egypt

“…Pork is the most common source of human trichinellosis, which can cause clinical symptoms such as myalgia, diarrhea, fever, facial edema, and headaches, and may even be fatal [ 33 ]. Trichinella spiralis is the only species reported in Egypt so far [ 32 ], and it has been identified in pigs [ 34 , 35 ], rodents [ 36 ], and dogs [ 34 , 37 ]. In Egypt, the reported infection rate in slaughtered pigs and pork products ranges from 0% to 6% [ 19 , 35 , 38 , 39 , 40 , 41 ].…”

“…Trichinella spiralis is the only species reported in Egypt so far [ 32 ], and it has been identified in pigs [ 34 , 35 ], rodents [ 36 ], and dogs [ 34 , 37 ]. In Egypt, the reported infection rate in slaughtered pigs and pork products ranges from 0% to 6% [ 19 , 35 , 38 , 39 , 40 , 41 ]. Only one old report on the seroprevalence of Trichinella spp.…”

Exposure to Brucella Species, Coxiella burnetii, and Trichinella Species in Recently Imported Camels from Sudan to Egypt: Possible Threats to Animal and Human Health

“…Regarding Trichinella infections, seasonal fluctuations were also reported in different regions of the world. Climate changes with increasing temperatures and reduction of environmental humidity significantly altered the biology of both the parasitic larvae and susceptible host species [ 39 , 45 , 65 ].…”

“…However, T. spiralis has also been identified in rodents [ 37 ] and in dogs [ 38 ] in different Egyptian regions. Additionally in humans, the seroprevalence rate of T. spiralis (IgG) was 10% (9/90) [ 39 ], and 60.9% (56/92) [ 40 ] in the examined humans that were linked to the consumption of pork in Egypt. Similarly to Egypt, there are scarce reports on the existence of Trichinella spp., either in camels or other animal species.…”

Is Hepatitis E Virus a Neglected or Emerging Pathogen in Egypt?

“…The previous finding was reported almost 15 years ago and, since this time, no further studies were performed to confirm the association between pigs and HEV infection in Egypt. However, the number of pig abattoirs has been increasing in recent years in Egypt and recent studies have reported that pigs could be a source of infections for Trichinella spiralis and Brucella suis in humans [99,100].…”