Mastering the principles of epidemiological surveillance for helminth infestations requires a comprehensive understanding of the characteristics of the epidemiological process, as well as the effectiveness of therapeutic, prophylactic, and anti-epidemiological measures.

Laboratory diagnosis primarily involves the identification of helminth eggs in fecal and duodenal samples. Serological diagnostic methods are also employed. Currently, three immunoenzymatic diagnostic test systems for opisthorchiasis are available commercially, utilizing three specific disease markers (IgM, IgG, and CIC) to detect different stages of the disease.

Life cycle: Trichinella is a biohelminth that requires a host change for its development. Humans, as well as domestic (pigs) and wild (bears, wild pigs, rats, etc.) carnivorous animals, serve as both definitive and intermediate hosts. Any organism that becomes infected by consuming meat containing larvae becomes a definitive host. Once ingested, the larvae grow into muscle and gastrointestinal forms in the intestine. Trichinella does not lay eggs; it is viviparous. In the small intestine, female Trichinella release larvae that enter the blood and lymph, migrating to the diaphragm, intercostal muscles, masseter muscles, and deltoid muscles of the host. These muscles serve as the site where the larvae form a capsule. If the infected meat is consumed by another host, the larvae will emerge from the capsule and develop into sexually mature forms, continuing the life cycle. Thus, the life cycle of this parasite begins within a single host, but the completion of the cycle requires a change of host. Trichinosis is transmitted through carnivorous animals consuming each other.

Pathogenicity: The disease is characterized by high fever (40°C), facial swelling, upper eyelid swelling, and muscle pain. It often results in death.

Routes of Infection and Invasive Stage: Infection occurs through the consumption of meat containing larvae.

Diagnosis: Diagnosis is made through muscle biopsy and immunological tests, such as skin allergy testing.

Prevention: Meat from pigs and wild animals should be checked for trichinellosis. Infected meat should be destroyed, as the larvae are not eliminated through heat treatment.

In recent decades, the epidemiological situation has significantly changed, with a marked increase in the prevalence of the disease and the emergence of new invasions. This shift is attributed to factors such as increased migration, both domestically and internationally, deteriorating environmental and socio-economic conditions, and climate change.

In general, high infection rates are observed in populations with low living and cultural standards. Given the close interrelation of social factors, it is often difficult to isolate a single factor that directly contributes to the increased risk of helminth infections.

Odinaeva R. S. – Assistant at the department of medical biology with fundamentals of genetics named after professor Berdiev N.B.