Chemical Attraction in the Genus Trichinella

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Abstract
Chemical attraction in the genus Trichinella was studied in vitro. Male adult worms of T. spiralis, T. spiralis var. pseudospiralis and Trichinella sp. isolate (polar bear isolate) were attracted to females of their own isolates. The intensity of heterosexual chemical attraction between T. spiralis and the Trichinella sp. isolate was similar, whereas T. spiralis var. pseudospiralis males were attracted less by either T. spiralis or the Trichinella sp. isolate females. Female worms of all 3 nematodes were significantly repulsed by members of the same sex. The repulsion of T. spiralis and the Trichinella sp. isolate females by each other''s females was similar, whereas T. spiralis var. pseudospiralis females were repulsed more by females of the other 2 parasites. The Trichinella sp. isolate and T. spiralis are closely related members of the genus Trichinella. Trichinella isolates from Arctic regions may not be distinct species. Differences in chemical attraction of T. spiralis var. pseudospiralis is further evidence indicating that it is distinct from T. spiralis.