Abstract
Echinococcus transmission is known to be affected by various environmental factors, which may be modified by human influence or natural events including global warming. Considerable population growth in the last fifty years in Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region (NHAR), the People’s Republic of China (PRC), has led to dramatic increases in deforestation and modified agricultural practices. In turn, this has resulted in many changes in the habitats for the definitive and intermediate hosts of both Echinococcus granulosus and E. multilocularis, which have increased the risks for transmission of both parasites, affecting echinococcosis prevalence and human disease. Ecological environmental changes due to anthropogenic activities and natural events drive Echinococcus transmission and NHAR provides a notable example illustrating how human activity can impact on a parasitic infection of major public health significance. It is very important to continually monitor these environmental (including climatic) factors that drive the distribution of Echinococcus spp. and their impact on transmission to humans because such information is necessary to formulate reliable future public health policy for echinococcosis control programs and to prevent disease spread.
Highlights
The zoonotic disease echinococcosis is one of the most important parasitic helminth diseases, with over three million people infected worldwide [1]
In the case of the small mammalian hosts of E. multilocularis, density is determined by the presence of certain vegetation types that provide suitable habitats, whereas for E. granulosus transmission, it is influenced by grassland availability for livestock [13]
A previous community survey that we undertook in a hyper-endemic area in Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region (NHAR) (Xiji County) using filter paper blood-enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for human antibody detection against E. multilocularis protosocolex antigen - which measures E. multilocularis egg exposure - revealed that sero-prevalence significantly increased in children in some village communities (Huoshizhai and Nanwan), whereas in others (e.g. Haoziwan), the sero-prevalence, detected by ELISA against E. granulosus hydatid cyst fluid lipoprotein antigen - which indicates E. granulosus egg exposure - had decreased [30] (Table 1)
Summary
The zoonotic disease echinococcosis (hydatidosis) is one of the most important parasitic helminth diseases, with over three million people infected worldwide [1]. A previous community survey that we undertook in a hyper-endemic area in NHAR (Xiji County) using filter paper blood-enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for human antibody detection against E. multilocularis protosocolex antigen (anti-EmP) - which measures E. multilocularis egg exposure - revealed that sero-prevalence significantly increased in children in some village communities (Huoshizhai and Nanwan), whereas in others (e.g. Haoziwan), the sero-prevalence, detected by ELISA against E. granulosus hydatid cyst fluid lipoprotein antigen (anti-EgB) - which indicates E. granulosus egg exposure - had decreased [30] (Table 1) This combined evidence illustrates the fact that transmission of the Echinococcus spp. has changed spatiotemporally, together with simultaneous environmental and climatic changes in rural southern NHAR [30]. A major challenge to control of echinococcosis in NHAR is the very large numbers of stray dogs, in rural areas and in cities [43], which increases the likelihood of continual transmission
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