The use of enzyme polymorphisms to identify genetic differences in the genus Trichinella.

Seven isolates of the genus Trichinella were evaluated for their genetic identity and variability using starch gel electrophoresis. The various strains exhibited polymorphism in 8 of 11 enzyme systems tested and the strains could be segregated into at least 3 basic patterns for geographical isolates of Trichinella: pigs, wild carnivores and Trichinella spiralis var. pseudospiralis. There was also evidence for further differences between isolates from wild carnivores. The isozyme technique appears to have potential for zoogeographic studies in the genus Trichinella.