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Interpretive Handbook

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Test 9017:
Trichinella Antibody, Serum

Clinical Information Discusses physiology, pathophysiology, and general clinical aspects, as they relate to a laboratory test

Trichinosis is an infection by the nematode parasite, Trichinella spiralis. The infection is acquired by ingestion of larvae in inadequately cooked, contaminated meat, especially pork, bear and walrus meat may also be sources of infection.

 

After ingestion, acid-pepsin digestion in the stomach liberates the larvae which develop into adult worms in the small intestine. After fertilization, the female worm produces larvae which penetrate the mucosa and seed the skeletal muscles via the blood stream. In muscle fibers they coil and encyst remaining viable for up to several years.

 

Diarrhea is the most common symptom associated with intestinal infection with adult worms. Subsequently, during systemic invasion by the larvae, fever, periorbital swelling, muscle pain and swelling, and pulmonary symptoms and rash develop.

Useful For Suggests clinical disorders or settings where the test may be helpful

As an adjunct in the diagnosis of trichinosis

Interpretation Provides information to assist in interpretation of the test results

A positive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) suggests current infection with Trichinella spiralis. Serology should be used in conjunction with clinical, epidemiologic, and other laboratory tests to establish the correct diagnosis.

 

The number of individuals showing positive results may vary significantly between populations and geographic regions.

Cautions Discusses conditions that may cause diagnostic confusion, including improper specimen collection and handling, inappropriate test selection, and interfering substances

Antibodies to Trichinella spiralis may not be detectable until 3 weeks after the onset of infection. Therefore, negative results in suspicious cases should be followed by repeat testing in several weeks.

Reference Values Describes reference intervals and additional information for interpretation of test results. May include intervals based on age and sex when appropriate. Intervals are Mayo-derived, unless otherwise designated. If an interpretive report is provided, the reference value field will state this.

Negative (reported as positive or negative)

Clinical References Provides recommendations for further in-depth reading of a clinical nature

Grove DI: Tissue nematodes. In Principles and Practice of Infectious Diseases. 4th edition. Edited by GL Mandell, et al. New York, Churchill Livingstone, 1995