[Diagnosis of trichinellosis and special aspects of a modified immunofluorescence test (author's transl)].

Trichinella spiralis was detected in 1835 by Paget, an English student. Since the introduction of the meat investigation law for trichinosis in 1937 the infection with this parasites became a rare condition. The last endemies in Germany occurred in 1967 and 1977. They restimulated the discussion regarding the efficiency and sensitivity of the routinely used methods for the detection of Tr. spiralis. 69 patients, suffering from infection with Tr. spiralis were investigated using a modified IFT. This method was compared with other serological techniques for the determination of Tr. spiralis and was found very sensitive and specific. Further immunological investigations showed an increased lymphocyte stimulation with Trich. antigen in most patients suffering from trichinellosis. When added autologous serum however the proliferation of lymphocytes was inhibited. The reason for this phenomenon might be a factor with immunosuppressive property produced by the adult worms.