Human trichinellosis caused by Trichinella britovi in Greece, and literature review. (2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Dimzas, D.; Diakou, A.; Koutras, C.; Gómez Morales, M.A.; Psalla, D.; Keryttopoulos, P.; Deligianni, D.; Kontotasios, K.; Pozio, Edoardo
• Is Part Of: Journal of helminthology. Volume 94(2020)
• Publication Date: 2020
• Subjects: Diagnosis, -- Greece, -- public health, -- Trichinella britovi, -- trichinellosis; Helminthology -- Periodicals; 592.3
• DOI: 10.1017/S0022149X19000075
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0022-149X

Abstract

Abstract: Trichinellosis is a cosmopolitan zoonotic parasitic disease caused by the nematodes of the genus Trichinella, through the consumption of raw or semi-raw infected meat from swine, horses and wild animals. This disease has been sporadically reported in Greece since 1946. The aim of the present study was to describe a trichinellosis case in a patient hospitalized in northern Greece, in 2017. A 47-year-old male was admitted to hospital with intense generalized myalgia, periorbital swelling, fever, exhaustion and anorexia. Biochemical and haematological profile showed eosinophilia and elevated creatine phosphokinase (CPK). Anti- Trichinella spp. IgG and IgM antibodies were detected by serology and Trichinella spp. larvae were found in two muscle biopsies by compressorium and histological examination. A larva collected from the muscle biopsy was identified as Trichinella britovi by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Albendazole (400 mg twice per day × 10 days) was administered and the clinical condition of the patient promptly improved. This is the first identification of T. britovi in a patient in Greece.