DISTRIBUTION OF TRICHINELLA LARVAE IN DIFFERENT GROUPS OF MUSCLES IN SPONTANEOUSLY INFECTED RACCOON DOGS (NYCTEREUTES PROCYONOIDES)

The problem of distribution of Trichinella larvae in transversus stripe skeletal muscles of animals is quite relevant. Literature sources present a lot of contradictory information on this issue. According to a number of authors, carnivores’, including canines’, shoulder muscles and muscles of the forelimbs, pelvis and hind limbs are the most intensely affected. Other researchers provide evidence that the highest numbers of Trichinella larvae are recorded in the muscles of the truncus and head. Furthermore, information about intensely affected muscles is of great importance for the diagnosis of trichinosis. The results of our studies showed that the highest rates of infection intensity in spontaneously infected raccoon dogs were noted in the diaphragm. Less affected were the large masseter muscle, intercostal muscles and muscles of the tongue root. Trichinella larvae were practically not found in the shoulder muscles and muscles of the forelimbs, pelvis and hind limbs. Thus, the highest number of Trichinella larvae was recorded in the muscles of the truncus and head of the spontaneously infected raccoon dogs that we studied.