Parasite (Jun 2001)

The lateral flow card test: an alternative method for the detection of Trichinella infection in swine

  • Patrascu I.,
  • Gamble H.R.,
  • Sofronic-Milosavljevic L.,
  • Radulescu R.,
  • Andrei A.,
  • Ionescu V.,
  • Timoceanu V.,
  • Boireau P.,
  • Cuperlovic K.,
  • Djordjevic M.,
  • Murrell K.D.,
  • Noeckler K.,
  • Pozio E.

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1051/parasite/200108s2240
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 8
pp. S240 – S242

Abstract

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A novel lateral flow card (TS-Card pork) test was developed for the serological detection of Trichinella infected pigs. Based on extensive studies performed in Romania during 1 999-2000 this test proved to be highly specific, sensitive, rapid (3-12 minutes) and easy to use (no need for laboratory facilities). It can be used both for the detection of Trichinella infection in carcasses and for epizootiological studies using a variety of samples including whole or dried blood, serum, or tissue fluids. The TS-Card pork test, used as a screening test, can be the foundation of an on-farm or field based inspection system to significantly improve food safety in countries with a high prevalence of Trichinella in pigs or other food animal species. The results presented are also promising for application of the test in an on-line laboratory based inspection system since the speed of the test allows sufficient time to rail out suspected hog carcasses during the slaughter process.

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