Serological tests are widely used for the detection of Trichinella spp. infections in animals and humans. Despite some limitations, (such as low sensitivity in the early period after infection) ELISA and western blot testing have demonstrated good performance when excretory/secretory products from muscle larvae are used as antigens in agreement with the International Commission on Trichinellosis. Over recent decades, considerable progress has been made in the characterization of Trichinella-derived molecules in the hope of improving diagnosis, mainly during the early days post infection. Despite these efforts, validated tests using characterized antigens for early diagnosis are still not available. However, combining currently available sero-diagnostic tools with clinical and epidemiological data provides valuable information on Trichinella infections in humans and animals as shown in this review.
Keywords: CWE, crude worm extract; ELISA, Enzyme linked immunosorbent Assay; ESA, excretory/secretory products; Epidemiology; ICT, International Commission on Trichinellosis; LPG, larvae per gram; ML, muscle larvae; NBL, newborne larvae; Outbreak investigations; Risk surveillance; Serological diagnosis; Trichinella spp. infections; Wb, Western blot; d.p.i., days post infection.
© 2022 The Authors.