[Trichinellosis: epidemiological, clinical and laboratory aspects. A retrospective study (1994-2003)].

BACKGROUND

Trichinellosis is a parasitic zoonosis caused by ingestion of infected meat containing cysts of Trichinella spp.

OBJECTIVES

To analyze the epidemiological, clinical and laboratory findings of trichinellosis patients in our center and compare the results with those from published series. To analyze the relationship between the clinical symptoms and laboratory findings.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

The clinical records of 127 patients were retrospectively analyzed.

RESULTS

Epidemiological: 61% were male and mean age was 32 years; 95% were associated with other cases. The food implicated was always pork. Clinical: 45% presented gastrointestinal symptoms and 98% systemic symptoms. Three patients required intensive care unit hospitalization and one died. In 53%, treatment consisted of associated antiparasitic and anti-inflammatory drugs. Laboratory: 59% presented leukocytosis and 72% absolute eosinophilia. Creatine phosphokinase was elevated in 62%, lactic dehydrogenase in 56% and glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase (GOT) in 30%. Among 52 patients, 65% had positive serology; trichinoscopy of food samples was positive in three outbreaks. The population studied had a mean of 5 signs and/or symptoms. The patient group with more than 5 signs and/or symptoms presented higher white blood cell counts and GOT levels (p < 0.05)

CONCLUSIONS

Our results were comparable to those of other series; however, there was a low rate of complications. An association was found between a larger number of signs and symptoms and higher leukocyte counts and GOT levels. The relevance of these findings should be assessed in future studies. There is no agreement as to the best therapeutic option, a fact reflected in the various treatment modalities seen in our study.