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Stensvold CR, Berg RPKD, Maloney JG, Molokin A, Santin M. Molecular characterization of Blastocystis and Entamoeba of muskoxen and sheep in Greenland. Int J Parasitol 2023; 53:673-685. [PMID: 37355198 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2023.05.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2023] [Revised: 05/04/2023] [Accepted: 05/10/2023] [Indexed: 06/26/2023]
Abstract
Molecular characterisation of endobionts that are shared among human and non-human hosts can help shed light on the epidemiology and inform studies that aim to unravel the role of these organisms in health and disease. Two of the most common of shared endobionts include the single-celled intestinal protists Blastocystis and Entamoeba. Here, we present the first known data on genetic diversity and host specificity of these two genera in Greenland. Faecal DNA samples from 243 muskoxen and 44 sheep were submitted to metabarcoding of nuclear small subunit ribosomal DNA. Entamoeba- and Blastocystis-specific sequences were clustered, and consensus sequences were subjected to taxonomic query. Using MinION-based sequencing, near-complete nuclear small subunit ribosomal DNA sequences were obtained from four faecal samples. Of the 243 muskox samples, 180 (74%) and 19 (8%) were positive for Blastocystis and Entamoeba, respectively. Forty (91%) and six (14%) of the 44 sheep samples were positive for Blastocystis and Entamoeba, respectively. Blastocystis subtypes (ST) 10, 14, 21, 24-26, and a novel subtype (ST40) were identified. Colonisation by more than one subtype was common. ST40 was common in muskoxen but limited to Northeast Greenland. Entamoeba bovis and the E. bovis-associated ribosomal lineages (RL) 1 and 8 were found, and three conditional lineages (CL) 3, 4, and 10 were confirmed; CL10 was promoted to RL12. Several novel lineages were identified, all of which were linked to the E. bovis complex. In conclusion, Blastocystis was far more common than Entamoeba and found in approximately three of every four animals; both can be considered common colonisers of large herbivorous mammals in Greenland. Multiple subtypes/lineages of both genera were commonly observed, some of which were novel, but most of which are seen in many other parts of the world.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christen Rune Stensvold
- Laboratory of Parasitology, Department of Bacteria, Parasites and Fungi, Statens Serum Institut, Artillerivej 5, DK-2300 Copenhagen S, Denmark.
| | - Rebecca P K D Berg
- Laboratory of Parasitology, Department of Bacteria, Parasites and Fungi, Statens Serum Institut, Artillerivej 5, DK-2300 Copenhagen S, Denmark
| | - Jenny G Maloney
- United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Environmental Microbial and Food Safety Laboratory, Beltsville, MD, USA
| | - Aleksey Molokin
- United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Environmental Microbial and Food Safety Laboratory, Beltsville, MD, USA
| | - Monica Santin
- United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Environmental Microbial and Food Safety Laboratory, Beltsville, MD, USA
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Koohsar F, Naddaf SR, Rokni MB, Mirjalali H, Mohebali M, Shafiei R, Mowlavi G. Serological Detection of Trichinellosis among Suspected Wild Boar Meat Consumers in North and Northeast of Iran. Iran J Parasitol 2021; 16:253-260. [PMID: 34557240 PMCID: PMC8418663 DOI: 10.18502/ijpa.v16i2.6323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2020] [Accepted: 02/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Background Trichinellosis is a foodborne zoonosis disease worldwide. Humans acquire infection by ingesting raw or uncooked animal flesh containing viable Trichinella larvae. The most common reservoirs of this helminth are pigs and wild boars. In northern Iran, hunting and consuming wild boars meat by some communities, including ethnic Armenians, may expose them to trichinellosis. Here, we investigated anti-Trichinella IgG antibodies in high-risk individuals in northeastern Iran. Methods From Mar to Aug 2020, we collected 189 blood samples from individuals with a history of wild boar meat consumption and examined the sera for anti-Trichinella IgG antibodies using a commercial ELISA kit (NovaTec Immunodiagnostica GmbH, Germany). Sera from 30 individuals with no history of eating wild boar meat was used to determine the range of actual negative values and possible cross-reactivity with other similar antigens. Results Of the 189 participants, 5 (2.6%) had anti-Trichinella IgG antibodies (OD, 1.176 ±0.154). None of the 30 negative controls became positive (OD, 0.198 ± 0.044). The age, gender, occupation, and education showed no significant association with Trichinella seropositivity rate (P>0.05). All five seropositive cases were among 112 individuals (4.46% seropositivity) that resided in the western part of the study area, stretching from Behshar to Gorgan. Conclusion Eating wild boar meat might expose individuals to trichinellosis in the north and northeast of Iran. Further studies with more individuals from different parts of the country and confirmation of the ELISA by additional tests like Western blot will give a more in-depth insight into human trichinellosis epidemiology in Iran.
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Affiliation(s)
- Faramarz Koohsar
- Department of Medical Parasitology & Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Mohammad Bagher Rokni
- Department of Medical Parasitology & Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hamed Mirjalali
- Foodborne and Waterborne Diseases Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mehdi Mohebali
- Department of Medical Parasitology & Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Reza Shafiei
- Vector-Borne Diseases Research Center, North Khorasan University of Medical Sciences, Bojnord, Iran
| | - Gholamreza Mowlavi
- Department of Medical Parasitology & Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,Center for Research of Endemic Parasites of Iran (CREPI), Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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Jerončić A, Nonković D, Vrbatović A, Hrabar J, Bušelić I, Martínez-Sernández V, Lojo Rocamonde SA, Ubeira FM, Jaman S, Jeličić EČ, Amati M, Gomez Morales MA, Lukšić B, Mladineo I. Anisakis Sensitization in the Croatian fish processing workers: Behavioral instead of occupational risk factors? PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2020; 14:e0008038. [PMID: 31986138 PMCID: PMC7004557 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0008038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2019] [Revised: 02/06/2020] [Accepted: 01/08/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
We undertook the first study systematically evaluating the risk of Anisakis-sensitization in Croatian fish-processing workers and potential genetic susceptibility to anisakiasis. Anti-Anisakis IgE seroprevalence and risk factors for 600 employees of Croatian fish processing facilities and 466 blood donor controls, were assessed by indirect ELISA targeted with: recombinant Ani s 1 and Ani s 7 allergens, an Anisakis crude extract, the commercial ImmunoCAP kit, and questionnaires. Genetic susceptibility to anisakiasis was evaluated by genotypisation of human leukocytes alleles (HLA). Anti-Anisakis seropositive and a fraction of negative subjects were also assessed by ELISA and Western Blot (WB) for IgG seroprevalence to Trichinella spp. Overall, the observed anti-Anisakis seroprevalence inferred by indirect ELISA was significantly higher in fish processing workers (1.8%, 95% CI 0.9–3.3%) compared to the controls (0%, 0–0.8%). Seven out of 11 Ani s 1 and Ani s 7-positives and none of selected 65 negative sera, tested positive on whole-Anisakis extract (ImmunoCAP), whereas Anisakis crude extract ELISA detected 3.9% (2.4–6.0%) seropositives in fish processing workers, three (14%) of which showed IgE reactivity to milk proteins. The highest risk associated with Anisakis-sensitization among workers was fishing in the free time, rather than any of attributes related to the occupational exposure. Although no association was observed between anti-Anisakis seropositivity and wearing gloves or protective goggles, the majority of workers (92%) wore protective gloves, minimizing the risk for Anisakis sensitization via skin contact. Six HLA alleles within DRB1 gene were significantly associated with seropositivity under dominant, allelic or recessive models. All sera confirmed negative for anti-Trichinella spp. IgG. The study exhaustively covered almost all marine fish processing workers in Croatia, reflecting real-time Anisakis sensitization status within the industry, already under the influence of wide array of allergens. Anisakiasis is a human disease caused by ingestion of live Anisakis spp. larvae by raw seafood. Fish processing and aquaculture workers (approximately 60 million people world-wide) are at occupational risk of becoming sensitized to Anisakis. This is the first study systematically evaluating the risk of Anisakis-sensitization in Croatian fish-processing workers and potential genetic susceptibility to anisakiasis in the analysed population. Observed seroprevalence was significantly higher in fish processing workers (1.8%) compared to the controls (0%). Surprisingly, the highest risk associated with Anisakis-sensitization among workers was fishing in their free time, rather than any of attributes related to the occupational exposure. While no association was observed between anti-Anisakis seropositivity and wearing gloves or protective goggles, the majority of workers (92%) wore protective gloves, minimizing the risk for Anisakis sensitization via skin contact. Additionally, seroprevalence to another important food-borne helminth, Trichinella spp. assessed in all Anisakis-positive subjects showed to be negative. Almost all marine fish processing workers in Croatia were part of this research, reflecting real-time Anisakis-sensitization status within the industry. This sets a baseline for the future tracking of sensitization in the sector already under the influence of wide array of allergens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Jerončić
- University of Split, School of Medicine, Split, Croatia
| | - Diana Nonković
- Teaching Institute of Public Health, County of Dalmatia, Split, Croatia
| | | | - Jerko Hrabar
- Institute of Oceanography and Fisheries, Split, Croatia
| | - Ivana Bušelić
- Institute of Oceanography and Fisheries, Split, Croatia
| | | | - Santiago A. Lojo Rocamonde
- Servicio de Análisis Clínicos, Complejo Hospitalario Universitario de Santiago de Compostela (CHUS), Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Florencio M. Ubeira
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Sonja Jaman
- Clinical Hospital Center Split, Split, Croatia
| | | | | | | | | | - Ivona Mladineo
- Institute of Oceanography and Fisheries, Split, Croatia
- * E-mail:
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Rostami A, Khazan H, Kia EB, Bandehpour M, Mowlavi G, Kazemi B, Taghipour N. Molecular identification of Trichinella spp. in wild boar, and serological survey of high-risk populations in Iran. Food Control 2018; 90:40-7. [DOI: 10.1016/j.foodcont.2018.02.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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London D, Hruschka D. Helminths and human ancestral immune ecology: What is the evidence for high helminth loads among foragers? Am J Hum Biol 2014; 26:124-9. [DOI: 10.1002/ajhb.22503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2013] [Revised: 12/20/2013] [Accepted: 12/22/2013] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Douglas London
- Department of Anthropology; Adelphi University; Garden City New York 11530
| | - Daniel Hruschka
- School of Human Evolution and Social Change; Arizona State University; Tempe Arizona 85287
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Jenkins EJ, Castrodale LJ, de Rosemond SJ, Dixon BR, Elmore SA, Gesy KM, Hoberg EP, Polley L, Schurer JM, Simard M, Thompson RCA. Tradition and transition: parasitic zoonoses of people and animals in Alaska, northern Canada, and Greenland. Adv Parasitol 2013; 82:33-204. [PMID: 23548085 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-407706-5.00002-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 105] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
Zoonotic parasites are important causes of endemic and emerging human disease in northern North America and Greenland (the North), where prevalence of some parasites is higher than in the general North American population. The North today is in transition, facing increased resource extraction, globalisation of trade and travel, and rapid and accelerating environmental change. This comprehensive review addresses the diversity, distribution, ecology, epidemiology, and significance of nine zoonotic parasites in animal and human populations in the North. Based on a qualitative risk assessment with criteria heavily weighted for human health, these zoonotic parasites are ranked, in the order of decreasing importance, as follows: Echinococcus multilocularis, Toxoplasma gondii, Trichinella and Giardia, Echinococcus granulosus/canadensis and Cryptosporidium, Toxocara, anisakid nematodes, and diphyllobothriid cestodes. Recent and future trends in the importance of these parasites for human health in the North are explored. For example, the incidence of human exposure to endemic helminth zoonoses (e.g. Diphyllobothrium, Trichinella, and Echinococcus) appears to be declining, while water-borne protozoans such as Giardia, Cryptosporidium, and Toxoplasma may be emerging causes of human disease in a warming North. Parasites that undergo temperature-dependent development in the environment (such as Toxoplasma, ascarid and anisakid nematodes, and diphyllobothriid cestodes) will likely undergo accelerated development in endemic areas and temperate-adapted strains/species will move north, resulting in faunal shifts. Food-borne pathogens (e.g. Trichinella, Toxoplasma, anisakid nematodes, and diphyllobothriid cestodes) may be increasingly important as animal products are exported from the North and tourists, workers, and domestic animals enter the North. Finally, key needs are identified to better assess and mitigate risks associated with zoonotic parasites, including enhanced surveillance in animals and people, detection methods, and delivery and evaluation of veterinary and public health services.
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Pufall EL, Jones-bitton A, Mcewen SA, Brown TM, Edge VL, Rokicki J, Karpiej K, Peregrine AS, Simard M. Prevalence of Zoonotic Anisakid Nematodes in Inuit-Harvested Fish and Mammals from the Eastern Canadian Arctic. Foodborne Pathog Dis 2012; 9:1002-9. [DOI: 10.1089/fpd.2012.1186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
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Bønløkke JH, Gautrin D, Sigsgaard T, Lehrer SB, Maghni K, Cartier A. Snow crab allergy and asthma among Greenlandic workers--a pilot study. Int J Circumpolar Health 2012; 71:19126. [PMID: 22901288 PMCID: PMC4981752 DOI: 10.3402/ijch.v71i0.19126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2012] [Revised: 06/13/2012] [Accepted: 06/21/2012] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives To study snow crab sensitization, occupational allergy and asthma in the snow crab industry in Greenland, as high rates have been found in Canada, but no reports have emerged from the same industry in Greenland. Study design Pilot survey. Methods Twenty workers (19 of Inuit and 1 of other origin) in a snow crab (Chionoecetes opilio) and Atlantic shrimp (Pandalus borealis) processing plant in Greenland were assessed with skin prick tests (SPTs) with common aeroallergens and specific allergens from snow crab and shrimp extracts, spirometry, blood sampling for total IgE and specific IgE determination. Eighteen workers contributed a questionnaire-based medical interview. Results Positive skin prick test reactions were common to snow crab (40%) and shrimp (20%). Specific IgE to snow crab were positive in 4 workers (21%). Two workers had elevated total IgE levels. Symptoms suggestive of asthma were common (45%). Work-related symptoms of skin rash, rhinitis, and/or conjunctivitis were reported by 50%, and symptoms from the lower airways by 39%. Combining history of work-related symptoms with results from specific SPTs and/or specific IgE determination suggested that 11 and 22% of workers suffered from probable and possible occupational asthma, respectively, whereas 22% had possible occupational dermatitis or rhinitis. Conclusions Greenlander Inuit do not appear to be protected against sensitization to snow crab or shrimp when occupationally exposed to these. This pilot study suggests that occupational allergy and asthma may be as common a problem in Greenlandic workers as in Canadian.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jakob Hjort Bønløkke
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Medicine, School of Public Health, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark.
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Munch-Andersen T, Olsen DB, Søndergaard H, Daugaard JR, Bysted A, Christensen DL, Saltin B, Helge JW. Metabolic profile in two physically active Inuit groups consuming either a western or a traditional Inuit diet. Int J Circumpolar Health 2012; 71:17342. [PMID: 22456044 PMCID: PMC3417641 DOI: 10.3402/ijch.v71i0.17342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives To evaluate the effect of regular physical activity on metabolic risk factors and blood pressure in Inuit with high BMI consuming a western diet (high amount of saturated fatty acids and carbohydrates with a high glycemic index). Study design Cross sectional study, comparing Inuit eating a western diet with Inuit eating a traditional diet. Methods Two physically active Greenland Inuit groups consuming different diet, 20 eating a traditional diet (Qaanaaq) and 15 eating a western diet (TAB), age (mean (range)); 38, (22–58) yrs, BMI; 28 (20–40) were subjected to an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), blood sampling, maximal oxygen uptake test, food interview/collection and monitoring of physical activity. Results All Inuit had a normal OGTT. Fasting glucose (mmol/l), HbA1c (%), total cholesterol (mmol/l) and HDL-C (mmol/l) were for Qaanaaq women: 4.8±0.2, 5.3±0.1, 4.96±0.42, 1.34±0.06, for Qaanaaq men: 4.9±0.1, 5.7±0.1, 5.08±0.31, 1.28±0.09, for TAB women: 5.1±0.2, 5.3±0.1, 6.22±0.39, 1.86±0.13, for TAB men: 5.1±0.2, 5.3±0.1, 6.23±0.15, 1.60±0.10. No differences were found in systolic or diastolic blood pressure between the groups. There was a more adverse distribution of small dense LDL-C particles and higher total cholesterol and HDL-C concentration in the western diet group. Conclusions Diabetes or impaired glucose tolerance was not found in the Inuit consuming either the western or the traditional diet, and this could, at least partly, be due to the high amount of regular daily physical activity. However, when considering the total cardio vascular risk profile the Inuit consuming a western diet had a less healthy profile than the Inuit consuming a traditional diet.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thor Munch-Andersen
- Copenhagen Muscle Research Centre, Rigshospitalet (National University Hospital), DK-2200 Copenhagen, Denmark.
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Broglia A, Kapel C. Changing dietary habits in a changing world: Emerging drivers for the transmission of foodborne parasitic zoonoses. Vet Parasitol 2011; 182:2-13. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2011.07.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 92] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Davidson R, Simard M, Kutz SJ, Kapel CMO, Hamnes IS, Robertson LJ. Arctic parasitology: why should we care? Trends Parasitol 2011; 27:239-45. [PMID: 21419701 DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2011.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2010] [Revised: 02/09/2011] [Accepted: 02/10/2011] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
The significant impact on human and animal health from parasitic infections in tropical regions is well known, but parasites of medical and veterinary importance are also found in the Arctic. Subsistence hunting and inadequate food inspection can expose people of the Arctic to foodborne parasites. Parasitic infections can influence the health of wildlife populations and thereby food security. The low ecological diversity that characterizes the Arctic imparts vulnerability. In addition, parasitic invasions and altered transmission of endemic parasites are evident and anticipated to continue under current climate changes, manifesting as pathogen range expansion, host switching, and/or disease emergence or reduction. However, Arctic ecosystems can provide useful models for understanding climate-induced shifts in host-parasite ecology in other regions.
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Møller LN, Koch A, Petersen E, Hjuler T, Kapel CMO, Andersen A, Melbye M. Trichinella infection in a hunting community in East Greenland. Epidemiol Infect 2010; 138:1252-6. [DOI: 10.1017/s0950268810000282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
SUMMARYTrichinella nativa infection (trichinellosis) is highly prevalent in Arctic wildlife, but the human burden of trichinellosis in present-day Greenland is unknown. The study aimed to determine Trichinella seroprevalence in an eastern Greenlandic hunting community and to evaluate risk factors for seropositivity. Overall, 998 inhabitants aged ⩾10 years in the Ammassalik municipality were tested for Trichinella-specific IgG antibodies. Background information was obtained from questionnaires. Seropositivity was 1·4% in persons aged <40 years and increased to >12% in those aged ⩾60 years. Older age, occupation as hunter or fisherman, and consumption of polar bear meat significantly increased the risk of Trichinella seropositivity. The seropositivity age pattern probably reflects changes in dietary preferences, but could also reflect mandatory meat inspection since 1966. However, preventive measures against Trichinella infection should be strengthened in Greenland.
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Gómez-Morales MA, Ludovisi A, Amati M, Cherchi S, Pezzotti P, Pozio E. Validation of an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for diagnosis of human trichinellosis. Clin Vaccine Immunol 2008; 15:1723-9. [PMID: 18827188 DOI: 10.1128/CVI.00257-08] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Trichinellosis is a zoonotic disease caused by the consumption of raw or semiraw meat from different animals harboring Trichinella larvae in their muscles. Since there are no pathognomonic signs, diagnosis can be difficult; for this reason, serology is important. The objective of this study was to validate an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) using excretory/secretory antigens to detect anti-Trichinella immunoglobulin G antibodies in human sera. A total of 3,505 human serum samples were tested. A receiver-operator characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was performed. The accuracy of the test was determined by calculating the area under the curve, which was equal to 0.999, indicating high accuracy. The coefficient of variation calculated for data from four serum samples in eight working sessions was no higher than 5% for the positive sera or 14% for the negative sera. Moreover, the analysis of the differences in optical density between duplicates indicated a high repeatability for the ELISA. At the ROC optimized cutoff, the sensitivity and specificity of the test were, respectively, 99.2% and 90.6% (specificity of 95.6% when excluding the samples from multiparasitized persons from Tanzania). The validated ELISA showed good performance in terms of sensitivity, repeatability, and reproducibility, whereas the specificity was limited. These results suggest that this test is suitable for detecting anti-Trichinella antibodies in human sera for diagnostic purposes, whereas its use in epidemiological surveys could be questionable.
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