Abstract

BARTOLONI, Alessandro et al. Seroprevalence of antibodies to Trichinella spiralis among rural residents of Cordillera province, Bolivia. Rev Panam Salud Publica [online]. 1999, vol.5, n.2, pp. 97-99. ISSN 1020-4989.  http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/S1020-49891999000200004.

A seroepidemiological study was conducted to determine the prevalence of antibodies to Trichinella spiralis among rural residents of Cordillera province, Santa Cruz Department, Bolivia. Using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), 234 serum samples were examined, and antibodies were detected in seven of the samples (3%). The results document for the first time the presence of human infestation with Trichinella in Bolivia and suggest the need to strengthen trichinelosis surveillance in the municipal slaughterhouses, to prevent the clandestine slaughter of animals, and particularly to ensure that residents and meat producers in the area become aware of the dangers of this zoonosis.