Trichinellosis in hospitalized patients from a Romanian endemic area, 2007–2009

Trichinellosis continues to represent a major concern in Romania, a country that, over the years, has had favourable conditions for the transmission and maintenance of this disease. During the years 2007–2009, Romania has reported to the WHO's Regional Office for Europe the highest incidence of trichinellosis in humans. This study was aimed at analysing the epidemiological, clinical, laboratory and therapeutic aspects of trichinellosis in a well-known Romanian endemic area, and at determining the particular aspects of this disease in children and the adult population. We retrospectively investigated the medical records of patients from two western Romanian counties, diagnosed with trichinellosis and hospitalized between 2007 and 2009. During this period, a total of 91 persons presented with this disease, and the corresponding yearly average incidence was 2.7 cases per 100 000 inhabitants. Patients were aged 3–80 years (mean age 33.3 ± 17.9 years), and most of them were adults (78%). Males accounted for 51.6% of cases. Unemployed adults belonging to the gypsy minority predominated within the study group (46.5%). Myalgia, fever and oedema were the most common symptoms. The mean eosinophil count was 25.1% ± 17.1% (range 1–75.8%), and was significantly higher in adults than in children. All patients were treated with albendazole, and 52.7% had associated corticotherapy. Trichinellosis is still probably the most important parasitic disease in Romania. Recent reports have revealed inadequate application of prophylactic and control measures against this disease. Consequently, public health strategies should be reconsidered, and more efficient and rigorous education of the population is required.