TRICHINOSIS OUTBREAK IN LA PLATA. CLINICAL AND EPIDEMIOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF 10 PEDIATRIC CASES

Abstract

Purpose: To describe a Trichinosis outbreak in the town of Berisso, La Plata. We described epidemiological, clinical and laboratory characteristics of pediatric patients treated in our center. Material and methods: Retrospective evaluation of clinical cases from medical records from 10 pediatric patients who shared contaminated food at an event held in Berisso (La Plata). The clinical history, physical examination and complementary studies were evaluated. Results: All patients consumed meat (sausage) from wild pork and all of them presented symptoms. 40% presented gastrointestinal symptoms and 90% had systemic symptoms. Myalgia, fever and periorbital edema were the predominant symptoms. 50% had eosinophilia. No patient required hospitalization and all were treated as outpatients with antiparasitics. Albendazol was indicated in all cases, with good tolerance. 80% presented positive serology for Trichinella sp. Conclusions: Trichinosis is a zoonosis present in Argentina and other Latin American countries. The most frequent presentation is in outbreaks, affecting people who ingest a common infectious source. A high clinical suspicion must be maintained and the epidemiological history of consumption of raw or undercooked meat, obtained from home farms or with few bromatological controls, should always be investigated. Fever, myalgia, facial edema and gastrointestinal symptoms are the most frequent clinical manifestations. Eosinophilia is the earliest and most guiding laboratory finding. Keywords: Trichinosis, Children, Outbreak. Conflicts of interest: There was no conflicts of interest. Ethics and financing: None.