Trichinosis Antibodies IgG & IgM, Serum

Trichinosis or trichinellosis is a parasitic infection caused by a nematode belonging to the genus trichinella. The severity of the clinical course depends on parasitic factors such as the number of living larvae ingested, and host factors such as sex, age, ethnic group and immune status. The clinical course of the acute period of infection is characterised by two phases, an enteral phase, in which the parasite alters intestinal function and a parenteral phase, which is associated with an inflammatory and allergic response to muscle invasion by the larval parasites. Gastrointestinal signs appear first, then fever, myalgia and periorbital oedema. Death, although rare, may result from congestive heart failure due to myocarditis, encephalitis, pneumonitis, hypokalaemia, or adrenal gland insufficiency.

A definitive diagnosis of trichinosis may be made when L1 larvae are found in a muscle biopsy. Other laboratory finding such as eosinophilia, total IgE, and muscle enzyme level increase may help in diagnosis. The use of newer specific serological tests for the detection of specific antibodies can improve diagnosis.

1 ml Serum Room Temperature

Negative