Abstract
We estimated the total number of human alveolar echinococcosis cases in Germany from 2003 through 2005 using the multiple source capture-recapture method. We found a 3-fold higher incidence of the disease than that shown by national surveillance data. We propose a revision of the reporting system to increase case ascertainment.
Highlights
We estimated the total number of human alveolar echinococcosis cases in Germany from 2003 through 2005 using the multiple source capture-recapture method
Diagnosis of echinococcosis by serologic testing and histopathologic examination is reportable to the Robert Koch Institute (RKI) by microbiologic laboratories and pathologists, respectively
We estimated that the national surveillance system failed to detect 67% of alveolar echinococcosis (AE) cases in Germany over 3 years
Summary
We estimated the total number of human alveolar echinococcosis cases in Germany from 2003 through 2005 using the multiple source capture-recapture method. Diagnosis of echinococcosis by serologic testing and histopathologic examination is reportable to the Robert Koch Institute (RKI) by microbiologic laboratories and pathologists, respectively. Referring physicians must provide additional diagnostic data (e.g., imaging findings and clinical information to confirm serologically diagnosed AE) but are not required to report cases independent of the laboratory diagnosis.
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