Changes in enzyme activity in human trichinosis.

Changes in enzyme activity in human trichinosis have been studied. The activities of 19 enzymes and some isoenzymes were investigated in 12 patients from the 3rd to the 20th week. The activities of muscle-specific enzymes (CK, ALD and MK) were greatly increased with peaks during the 4th week; activities returned to normal ranges during the 7th and 8th weeks. Liver-specific enzymes (GTP, OCT, guanase, GLDH, SDH and MDH) and AP, ChE, cerulosplasmin remained within normal limits in all patients with the exception of a child who died. An explanation of the origin of hyperenzymemia is proposed on the basis of these investigations. The data obtained support the proposition that hyperenzymemia is of muscular origin and that the liver is seldom affected in case of trichinosis.