[Human trichinosis. A recent epidemic in Vientiane (Laos) (apropos of 32 cases)].

Fifty patients were hospitalised at Vientiane during May and June 1975. Infection was caused by consumption of pork meat (som-mou, lap mou and lap leuat). After an incubation period of 8 to 11 days intermittent diarrhoea followed by constant fever and orbital oedema occurred. Several days later diffuse myalgias occurred. Three patients presented neurological symptoms: left hemiplegia flexible paraplegia and limb paresis; these symptoms regressed spontaneously. 87% of the clinically suspected cases had specific serum antibodies (IFI, ID, IE). Hyperleucocytosis and hypereosinophilia were a constant factor. Anti-AH antibodies were detected by the Widal test. The histopathology characteristic of myositis was seen in the 12 muscle biopsies. Also observed was the precystic state of the larvae which is in agreement with the early timing of the samples which were obtained during the 3rd and 4rd week of infection.