Trichinellosis is a worldwide zoonosis caused by the parasitic nematodes
belonging to the Trichinella genus.
In this review we describe some aspects of the host immunity to the different species of
Trichinella in humans, as well as in rodents which are one of the most studied
experimental models. The role of humoral (antibodies) and cellular (T cells, mast cells,
eosinophils and neutrophils), immune responses to this nematode will be considered in
experimental as well as in human infections. Particular attention will be paid on the
possibility to exploit such knowledge to improve the diagnostic possibilities of
infection. Immunopathological aspects of infection will also be considered.
Finally, the evasion mechanisms of host immune responses exploited by Trichinella and
the vaccination perspectives for control will be elucidated.
Keywords: Basophils, cytokines, dendritic cells, diagnosis, eosinophils, human
trichinellosis, IgE, IgG, immunology, immunopathology, infection in rodents,
macrophages, mast cells, myositis, neutrophils, nurse cell, Trichinella spiralis,
Trichinella britovi, Trichinella pseudospiralis, vaccines
