Non-Encapsulated Trichinella Species: T. pseudo spiralis, T. papuae and T. zimbawensis

Abstract

Trichinellosis is a meat-borne zoonotic disease caused by nematode worms of the genus Trichinella in humans. Sylvatic animals are the main reservoir hosts of this helminth but domesticated animals, mainly swine, can also acquire the infection when they are fed with scraps of game meat. The genus used to have only one species; however, it has subsequently evolved into a multispecies genus. Due to its broad host range, it has been able to establish itself in both domestic and sylvatic cycles, allowing it to maintain a vast host reservoir. Infection has been documented in a variety of experimental species, showing that it could potentially happen in natural settings as well. Due to the considerable genetic differences among the isolates, researchers predict that the number of species and genotypes discovered within Trichinella will increase. Outbreaks caused by various species in different parts of the world have also been reported therefore prevention and control are critical in order to limit the parasite’s transmission to humans. Although molecular methods are used to identify the Trichinella species but these methods are not appropriate for the diagnosis of the infection in animals.