Trichinella nativa infection (trichinellosis) is highly prevalent in Arctic wildlife, but the human burden of trichinellosis in present-day Greenland is unknown. The study aimed to determine Trichinella seroprevalence in an eastern Greenlandic hunting community and to evaluate risk factors for seropositivity. Overall, 998 inhabitants aged ⩾10 years in the Ammassalik municipality were tested for Trichinella-specific IgG antibodies. Background information was obtained from questionnaires. Seropositivity was 1·4% in persons aged <40 years and increased to >12% in those aged ⩾60 years. Older age, occupation as hunter or fisherman, and consumption of polar bear meat significantly increased the risk of Trichinella seropositivity. The seropositivity age pattern probably reflects changes in dietary preferences, but could also reflect mandatory meat inspection since 1966. However, preventive measures against Trichinella infection should be strengthened in Greenland.

Trichinella spiralis larvae infect and develop within skeletal muscle cells causing major changes to their mechanical properties. The aim of this investigation was to determine the effects of T. spiralis on the power output and fatigue resistance of the mammalian diaphragm under conditions simulating in vivo operation and to relate these to respiratory performance. Infection with T. spiralis leads to major reductions in mechanical stress, work, power output and fatigue resistance. These changes are associated with the number of larvae present in the muscle and the duration of infection. However, the initial decline in mechanical performance occurs during the onset of infection when there are few larvae observed within the muscle cells, indicating that T. spiralis may affect the properties of muscle before encapsulation. This may correspond to the host's inflammatory response and the effects of larval excretory/secretory products. The decline in mechanical performance will have a profound effect on respiration both at rest and during exertion. This must influence the behaviour of the host and increase its chance of capture by predators, which is likely to benefit the parasite by facilitating its transmission.

A case of trichinosis of the laryngeal muscles which was discovered accidentally during total laryngectomy for cancer of the larynx is presented. Trichinosis is a rare parasitic disease, particularly for the ENT specialist. It is difficult to identify during life. No specific treatment is available. In our case it is suggested that the chronic irritation of the larynx may have resulted in the growth of the cancer.