Abstract

Sporadic cases of trichinellosis have occurred almost every year in Serbia. The success of trichinellosis control in the country depends on effective communication among medical professionals who discover a case of trichinellosis, the Public Health Service, and the Veterinary Service, in line with the One Health concept. The collaborative approach, supported by a robust reporting and monitoring system, has been essential for identifying infection sources and preventing further spread. However, in March 2023, the National Reference Laboratory for Trichinellosis (NRLT) received reports of hospitalized patients with suspected trichinellosis, signaling the possibility of two outbreaks based on their socio-epidemiological history. The investigation revealed separate trichinellosis outbreaks occurred in Grocka, Belgrade municipality, and Dolovo, Pancevo municipality, with pork identified as the source of infection. Serological tests confirmed the presence of Trichinella-specific antibodies in the patients, including their family members and friends. A total of four patients required hospitalization. In accordance with regulations, veterinary inspectors took dried meat and meat products samples and Trichinella larvae were detected using the digestion method. The entire amount of dried meat and meat products was subsequently destroyed. Multiplex PCR confirmed the identification of Trichinella britovi at the species level in both outbreaks. These findings represent the first documented cases of T. britovi infection in domestic pigs in Serbia. The outbreak data once again highlight that inadequate animal husbandry practices, certain human behaviors, and a lack of awareness about the risks continue to be major contributors to the persistence of trichinellosis in Serbia.

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