E.J. Ruitenberg

Comparison of the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) with three other methods for the detection of Trichinella spiralis infections in pigs

Abstract Four methods employed in the diagnosis of trichinellosis [trichinoscopy, digestion method, immunofluorescence techniques and Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA)] were compared by laboratories in eight countries of the European Economic Community. Material from 24 pigs infected with 10 000, 5000, 500, 150 and 0 T. spiralis larvae was examined during a period from 17 days to 12 weeks post infection. ELISA was more sensitive than immunofluorescence during the onser of the infection in groups in infected with higher numberts of larvae (1500, 5000 and 10 000 larvae). In general, however, results of both ELISA and immunofluorescence were comparable with regard to reliability. In pigs infected with a lower number of T. spiralis larvae both serological assays were more sensitive than the direct methods (trichinoscopy and digestion method). It was concluded that not enough evidence was available to suggest ELISA as an alternative to the direct methods for slaughterhouse control. Both the ELISA and the immunofluorescence technique may prove to be applicable for epidemiological surveys.

Comparison of four methods for early detection of experimental Trichinella spiralis infections in pigs

Four methods employed in the diagnosis of experimental porcine trichinellosis (trichinoscopy, digestion method, immunofluorescence and enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA)) were compared by eleven laboratories in the countries of the European Economic Community and Sweden. The aim of this study was to test the reliability of ELISA during the onset of T. spiralis infection. Material from conventionally raised pigs infected with 1500 to 10000 larvae was compared to uninfected controls at Day 17 and Day 21 post infection. The serological techniques gave higher percentages of positive results than the direct techniques. Specific antibodies could be demonstrated with ELISA at an earlier stage and at higher percentages than with the other methods. ELISA micro-assay was the most sensitive procedure.

Enzyme-linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) as a diagnostic method for Trichinella spiralis infections in pigs

Abstract The application of the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in the detection of Trichinella spiralis infections in pigs is presented. Two experiments using conventionally raised pigs infected with various numbers of T. spiralis larvae are described. Blood samples were collected for serological examination, prior to and at various days post infection (pi). At slaughter, on the 28th day pi, samples from the diaphragm were collected for isolation of muscle larvae by means of the digestion method. The results from these sera were compared with those from non-infected conventionally raised pigs. At day 28 pi, 21 out of 33 infected pigs showed positive ELISA results. In only two of those serologically positive animals were no larvae detected at slaughter. Of the 12 infected pigs with a negative ELISA result, only two harboured more than 3 larvae/g (the detection limit of trichinoscopy). Of the nine non-infected control animals, one had a false positive ELISA result. The significance of these findings in relation to slaughterhouse control is discussed. ELISA, therefore, presents an alternative to other detection methods for the control of T. spiralis infections in pigs.

Comparison of three methods for detection of prolonged experimental trichinellosis in pigs

Three methods were employed for the diagnosis of porcine trichinellosis. The pooled sample digestion method and trichinoscopy served as European Community (EC) reference techniques, whereas the reliability of the Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) was tested by 11 laboratories of the European Community and Sweden. Three groups of 6 piglets each were orally inoculated with 50, 150 and 1500 Trichinella spiralis larvae into each animal. Another group of 6 animals served as a non-infected control. Animals were slaughtered and serum and muscle samples were collected at Weeks 4, 12 and 40. The material was mailed under code and examined in all participating laboratories. ELISA proved to be a sensitive technique. ELISA micro assay was the most sensitive procedure. Of the direct techniques the reference pooled sample digestion method was more sensitive than trichinoscopy. It was concluded that both micro and macro ELISA can be used with confidence for the detection of low grade, longstanding experimental T. spiralis infections in swine.

Food‐borne parasitic infections ‐ old stories and new facts

Summary A review is presented of food-borne parasitic infections. Parasitic infections with public health hazards both from conventional slaughter animals and from seafood (fish and shellfis) are discussed. The former category includes cysticercosis, echinococcosis, and trichinosis, the latter category covers various trematode, cestode, nematode, and possibly also protozoan infections. Examples of trematode infections are heterophyidiasis, transmitted to man by marine fish, and Paragonimus spp parasites, transmitted by crustaceans. Cestode infections include diphyllobothriasis transmitted by both fresh waterfish and fish from brackish waters. Special attention is drawn to the condition known as sparganosis. Of the nematode infections, the eosinophilic granulomatous enteritis due to the genera A nisakis, Phocanema, and Contracaecum, transmitted to man by either marine fish or crustaceans, is mentioned. Two other nematode infections. Angiostrongylus cantonensis and Capillaria philippinensis, can also be transmitted to man by marine fish. Free living amoebae (a.o. Naegleria) may be transmitted to man via shellfish as vehicles. Apart from a possible direct effect of these parasites, chemical alterations in seafood resulting from the presence of parasites may also be deleterious to the consumer. Special attention is drawn to a newly developed serological detection method, the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, which makes detection of infection possible not only at the slaughterhouse but also at the farm or in large herds. Strategies to control parasitic infections both in conventional slaughter animals and in seafood are discussed.

Food-borne parasitic infections-a review.

Abstract A review of food-borne parasitic infections is presented. Parasitic infections in conventional slaughtered animals and seafood (fish and shellfish) constituting a public health hazard are discussed. To the former category belong cysticercosis, echinococcosis and trichinellosis, and to the latter category belong various trematole, cestode and nematode infections. Examples of trematode infections are heterophyidiasis, transmitted to man by marine fish and Paragonimus spp. parasites, transmitted by crustaceans. Cestode infections include diphyllobothriasis transmitted by freshwater fish and fish from brackish waters. Special attention is drawn to the condition known as sparganosis. Of the nematode infections the eosinophilic granulomatous enteritis is mentioned. It is due to infections with members of the genera Anisakis, Phocanema and Contracaecum and is transmitted to man by either marine fish of crustaceans. Two other nematode infections Angiostrongylus cantonensis and Capillaria philippinensis can also be transmitted to man by marine fish. Apart from a possible direct effect of these parasites, chemical alterations in seafood resulting from the presence of parasites may also be deleterious to the consumer. Special attention is drawn to a newly developed serological detection method, the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, enabling not only detection of infection at the slaughter-house, but also in large herds at the farm. Strategies to control parasitic infections both in conventional slaughtered animals and in seafood are discussed.