Focus of human trichinellosis in Papua New Guinea.

Abstract

Abstract. Human trichinellosis and teniasis (Taenia solium) are meat-borne helminthic infections with a wide distribution throughout the world. However, there is little information on the prevalence of these infections in Papua New Guinea. In 1999, serum samples were collected from 97 people in 6 villages in the remote Bensbach area of Papua New Guinea. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and Western blot analyses were used to detect anti-Trichinella immunoglobulin (Ig) G and anti-cysticercus IgG in this population. The prevalence of Trichinella antibodies among inhabitants of the Bensbach area was 28.9% (28 of 97; 67.8% in men), suggesting a high consumption of poorly cooked meat. The higher prevalence of infection for Trichinella in men compared with women may be explained by the inclination of men to eat undercooked pork while hunting. All serum samples were negative for cysticercus antibodies. This is to our knowledge the first serosurvey showing anti-Trichinella antibodies in a human population living in Papua New Guinea (Australian region).

Validation of an Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay for Diagnosis of Human Trichinellosis

“…TSL-1 antigens, the main components of ESA, have been purified by affinity chromatography using monoclonal antibodies in an indirect ELISA and in a capture ELISA, resulting in improved specificity compared to that of the crude worm extract (15,42). The immunodominant carbohydrate tyvelose has been synthesized and successfully used to detect anti-Trichinella IgG in humans (7) and in swine (16), yet though this antigen has the advantages of high specificity and stability, the results regarding sensitivity are contrasting (19,30,31,35). In any case, ELISAs for human diagnostic purposes using purified antigens have, to date, not been validated with a sufficiently large sample size.…”

Trichinella papuaein Saltwater Crocodiles (Crocodylus porosus) of Papua New Guinea

“…Since both T. zimbabwensis and T. papuae infection can develop in reptiles and mammals, eating crocodile meat is a risk. In one region of Papua New Guinea, a high percentage of the local human population had anti- Trichinella antibodies (10). Moreover, the risk for human infection may be rising, given the increased marketing of meat from crocodiles, caimans, and alligators in many parts of the world (2).…”

Evaluation ofTrichinella spiralisLarva Group 1 Antigens for Serodiagnosis of Human Trichinellosis

“…Over the last decades many techniques have been adapted for detecting antibodies against Trichinella antigens, such as bentonite flocculation, latex agglutination, indirect immunofluorescence (IIF), counterimmunoelectrophoresis, immunoblotting, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) (13). At present, however, ELISA techniques using either crude antigen preparations from muscle L1 larvae (10,25,28,41), whole excretory-secretory antigens (ESA) (4,9,33,42), or purified antigens (8,18,44) are the most widely used. IIF using cryosections of infected muscles or isolated larvae is also routinely used in some laboratories (17,31,37).…”