Prevalence Of Cystic Echinococcosis Research Articles

Ultrasonography screening of hepatic cystic echinococcosis in sheep flocks used for evaluating control progress in a remote mountain area of Hejing County, Xinjiang

BackgroundAlthough ultrasonography (US) has been widely used in the diagnosis of human diseases to monitor the progress of cystic echinococcosis (CE) control, the screening method for hepatic CE in sheep flocks requires adjustment. In this study, we used a US scanner to screen sheep flocks and evaluated the efficacy of dosing dogs once a year with praziquantel for 7 years from 2014 to 2021.MethodsAll sheep in the three flocks were screened using an ultrasound scanner in 2014 and compared with the prevalence of infection in 2021 in Bayinbuluke, Xinjiang, China. Sheep age was determined using incisor teeth. Cyst activity and calcification were determined using US images. The dogs were dewormed with praziquantel once a year to control echinococcosis in the community.ResultsThree flocks had 968 sheep in 2014, with 13.22%, 22.62%, 18.7%, 27.27%, 11.88%, and 6.3% of sheep aged 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and ≥ 6 years old, respectively. US scanning revealed that the overall CE prevalence was 38.43% (372/968), with active cysts and calcified cysts present in 9.40% (91/968) and 29.02% (281/968) of the sheep, respectively. For the young sheep aged 1 and 2 years, the prevalence of active and calcified cysts was: 1.56% and 0.91%, and 10.94% and 18.72%, respectively. Approximately 15.15% and 16.52% of the 4- and 5-year-old sheep, respectively, harbored active cysts. There was no significant difference in the infection rates of sheep between 2014 and 2021 (P > 0.05).ConclusionsUS is a practical tool for the field screening of CE in sheep flocks. One-third of the sheep population in the flocks was 1–2 years old, and these sheep played a very limited role in CE transmission, as most of the cysts were calcified. Old sheep, especially culled aged sheep, play a key role in the transmission of CE. Dosing dogs once a year did not affect echinococcosis control.

Epidemiological update of cystic echinococcosis in livestock and assessment of practices related to its control in the Mediterranean area

Cystic echinococcosis (CE), caused by the tapeworm Echinococcus granulosus, is a zoonotic parasitic disease that still represents a serious threat to human and animal health worldwide. The Mediterranean basin is recognized as one of the major hotspots of CE due to several factors, including the presence of diverse intermediate host species as well as socio-economic and cultural conditions of local communities. This study aims to take a closer look at epidemiological data on CE in the Mediterranean area and assess the knowledge attitudes and practices of shepherds towards this disease in four countries (Algeria, Greece, Italy and Tunisia), highly endemic for CE, with the final goal of identifying highly endemic risk areas and practices in use which might potentially allow the persistence of E. granulosus infection in these areas. To update the epidemiological scenario of CE in Mediterranean areas, a comprehensive review of peer-reviewed literature on CE prevalence data published during the 2017–2023 period was carried out and, through a geographical information system (GIS), a map displaying the current CE distribution in the Mediterranean area was generated. In addition, a questionnaire survey was conducted through in-depth interviews of the farmers to collect information on their management system as well as knowledge attitudes and practices towards CE. From the farmer-participatory survey some risky practices emerged including the non-regular deworming of dogs or the use of ineffective drugs or dosing, as well as the provision of uncooked animal viscera to dogs. Finally, lower levels of knowledge and awareness of the disease was observed among farmers from North Africa compared with those of European countries. In conclusion, the results obtained highlight that CE is still a very serious problem in Mediterranean areas and increased efforts are needed to promote awareness among farmers and to turn research results into policy in order to reduce the spread of this disease, according to the One Health perspective.

Molecular phylogenetic analysis of Echinococcus granulosus sensu lato infecting sheep in Italy.

Cystic Echinococcosis (CE), caused by the larval form of Echinococcus granulosus sensu lato, is a neglected zoonosis still threatening public health worldwide. In Italy different epidemiological scenarios were reported depending on the geographical area and associated socio-economic activities. Although in northern Italy the occurrence of E. granulosus is considered sporadic, in the southern regions and, particularly in Sardinia, CE prevalence reaches high levels. We analysed CE cysts collected from infected sheep from various areas of mainland Italy and the Sardinia island, with the main objective to investigate intergenotypic and intragenotypic variations at national level. CE cysts were collected from slaughtered sheep following post mortem inspection at local abattoirs. Total genomic DNA was extracted and amplification and sequencing of the partial mitochondrial genes nad5 and cox1 were performed. A Bayesian phylogenetic tree was estimated on a nad5 dataset (n=260) composed of E. granulosus samples from this study (n=126) and all the nad5 haplotypes available in GenBank (n=134). In addition, haplotype network, diversity and neutrality analysis were performed on nad5 and cox1 sequences of Italian origin obtained in this study. E. granulosus sensu stricto (s.s.) was found to be the only Echinococcus species infecting sheep in Italy, mainly represented by G1 genotype (76%) and, to a lower extent, by G3 genotype (24%). Phylogenetic analyses revealed 40 nad5 and 33 cox 1 haplotypes, and the presence of two founder haplotypes, belonging to G1 and G3 genotype, showing 100% similarity with DNA sequences from different geographic regions. The lack of geographical segregation, high haplotype and low nucleotide diversity coupled with significant negative values of Tajima's D and Fu's Fs observed in this study indicated high genetic variation and demographic expansion of E. granulosus s.s. in Italy.

HUMAN CYSTIC ECHINOCOCCOSIS IN ENDEMIC REGIONS IN BULGARIA - ULTRASOUND SURVEILLANCE, TREATMENT AND FOLLOW-UP OF PATIENTS

Introduction: Cystic echinococcosis (CE) is a chronic disease in humans, usually asymptomatic, but in some cases could be very severe with fatal outcomes. This parasitosis is a health and economic problem in many areas of the world. The actual spread among people with CE in endemic regions is not known. The purpose of prophylactic ultrasound examinations of people in some areas was to clarify the real prevalence of CE and to detect undiagnosed asymptomatic cases and recurrences. Materials and methods: An abdominal ultrasound survey in four endemic regions in Bulgaria with the highest rate of registered patients with CE in Bulgaria for the last five years was conducted. For every patient with CE an epidemiological and clinical history, abdominal ultrasound examination, blood tests and ELISA IgG test for CE were performed. Results: From all 8602 people examined, in seventeen persons (0.2%), liver hydatid cysts were found for the first time. Ssixty five (0.8%) reported a history of previous surgical treatment for CE, of which 54 (83.1%) had passed surgery because of liver CE and 11 (16.9%) had extrahepatic CE (pulmonary, cardiac, bone, spleen). In three (5.6%) patients, who were operated years before for liver CE, recurrences were discovered. In 11 (64.7%) patients devitalized CE4 cysts were observed without any data for previous treatment. Three of the discovered patients with CE were treated with surgery, one with puncture-aspiration-injection-reaspiration, four only with Albendazole. The patients were successfully treated and followed for a period of five years. Conclusions: During the prophylactic ultrasound examinations, a higher percentage of people infected with liver cystic echinococcosis was found compared to the official information. It should be noted that these results are found in areas with the highest incidence of this disease in the country. US screenings give the opportunity for early detection, timely treatment of infected people and to prevent severe complications in patient with CE disease.

Effectiveness of comprehensive echinococcosis control measures with emphasis on management of infectious source in Sichuan Province from 2010 to 2022

To evaluate the effectiveness of comprehensive echinococcosis control measures with emphasis on management of infectious source in Sichuan Province from 2010 to 2022, so as to provide insights into formulation of future control interventions. Data pertaining to comprehensive echinococcosis control measures with emphasis on management of infectious source and echinococcosis surveillance in Sichuan Province from 2010 to 2022 were collected. The effectiveness of comprehensive echinococcosis control measures with emphasis on management of infectious source was evaluated with prevalence of human echinococcosis, detection of newly diagnosed echinococcosis patients, prevalence of Echinococcus infection in domestic dogs, prevalence of cystic echinococcosis in livestock, prevalence of alveolar echinococcosis in small mammals and awareness of echinococcosis control knowledge, and Spearman's rank correlation analysis. The prevalence of human echinococcosis reduced from 1.08% in 2010 to 0.40% in 2022 in Sichuan Province (χ2 = 1 482.97, P < 0.05), with a reduction from 0.30% to 0.02% in the detection of newly diagnosed echinococcosis cases (χ2 = 2 776.41, P < 0.05), a reduction from 15.87% to 0.46% in the prevalence of Echinococcus infection in domestic dogs (χ2 = 20 823.96, P < 0.05), a reduction from 8.05% to 1.07% in the prevalence of cystic echinococcosis in livestock (χ2 = 1 296.02, P < 0.05), and the awareness of echinococcosis control knowledge increased from 50.65% to 95.24% (χ2 = 34 938.63, P < 0.05); in addition, there was a year-specific prevalence rate of alveolar echinococcosis in small mammals (χ2 = 164.07, P < 0.05). Spearman's rank correlation analysis revealed that the detection of newly diagnosed echinococcosis cases correlated positively with the prevalence of Echinococcus infections in domestic dogs (rs = 0.823, P < 0.05) and the prevalence of cystic echinococcosis in livestock (rs = 0.795, P < 0.05), and correlated negatively with the awareness of echinococcosis control knowledge (rs = - 0.918, P < 0.05), and the prevalence of Echinococcus infection in domestic dogs correlated positively with the prevalence of cystic echinococcosis in livestock (rs = 0.753, P < 0.05) and negatively with the awareness of echinococcosis control knowledge (rs = -0.747, P < 0.05); however, there was no correlation between the prevalence of Echinococcus infections in domestic dogs and the prevalence of alveolar echinococcosis in small mammals (rs = -0.750, P > 0.05). The comprehensive echinococcosis control measures with emphasis on management of infectious source had achieved remarkable effectiveness in Sichuan Province; however, the transmission chain of echinococcosis has not been interrupted. Reinforced comprehensive echinococcosis control measures with emphasis on management of infectious source and sustained tracking evaluation of the effectiveness are recommended in Sichuan Province.

Cystic Echinococcosis in Hospitalized Children from Western Romania: A 25-Year Retrospective Study.

Cystic echinococcosis (CE) is a cosmopolitan parasitic disease caused by Echinococcus granulosus. We aimed to assess the epidemiological aspects of the disease in hospitalized children from Western Romania, a well-known endemic area for CE. We retrospectively investigated the medical records of children hospitalized between 1998 and 2022. A total of 144 patients were included, and 58.3% were from rural areas. The number of cases increased with age, from 9% in the age group 3-5 years to 59.7% in the age group 11-17 years. The liver was more frequently affected (65.3%), and a significant association between gender and the affected organ was noted; liver cysts were more frequently diagnosed in girls, while lung cysts were recorded mostly in boys. Complications were more frequently reported in patients with pulmonary CE compared to hepatic CE (p = 0.04). Boys had more complications (16/23, 69.6%) compared to girls (7/23, 30.4%) (p = 0.03). A third of the children were hospitalized for more than 14 days, and multiple hospitalizations were recorded in 31.3% of the patients. This paper provides new insights into the epidemiologic features of cystic echinococcosis in children from Western Romania. Our findings indicate that exposure to the parasite starts in childhood, and the rate of hospitalization increases with age. Public health strategies should be implemented and permanently improved in order to lower the prevalence of CE in children.

Echinococcus granulosus comparative genotyping in sheep in Saudi Arabia and Egypt.

Cystic echinococcosis (CE), which is triggered by the parasite Echinococcus granulosus, is a global zoonotic disease that is common in rural regions in which there are frequent encounters between dogs and other domestic animals. The disease can have devastating consequences, impacting the health of people and animals and leading to huge financial losses, especially in the agricultural industry. In the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) and Egypt, despite the high incidence of disease, few investigations have been conducted into the genetic variation in species of the genus Echinococcus. This study sought to compare the genetic features of the hydatid cysts carried in sheep in KSA with those found in Egypt. DNA from the protoscolices was used in a PCR targeting the mitochondrial NADH dehydrogenase 1 (NAD1), cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (COX1), and nuclear actin II (ACT II) genes, and the resulting amplification products of 30 KSA and Egyptian isolates were sequenced and compared. Among the sheep in KSA, the overall prevalence of CE was 0.51%. Of the sheep cyst DNA samples, 95%, 100%, and 52% were positive for the Cox1, nad1, and act II genes, respectively. Targeting all three genes, all KSA samples belonged to the E. granulosus genotype (G1), whereas all Egyptian isolates belonged to E. granulosus (G1) and E. canadensis (G6). We conclude that isolates of E. granulosus from the two countries shared a common origin in Arabic North Africa, with sheep and camels as common hosts.

Prevalence of cystic echinococcosis in relatives of patients undergoing surgery for hepatic cystic echinococcosis in an endemic region.

Cystic echinococcosis (CE) is an endemic disease in southern Chile. The aim of this study was to ascertain the prevalence of CE among relatives of patients who underwent surgical intervention for this disease in Cautín, a province of southern Chile. Cross-sectional study. Relatives of patients who underwent surgery for hepatic echinococcosis (HE), who lived at the same address, during the period 2000-2020 were studied. A total of 288 relatives of 322 patients who underwent surgery for HE participated in a CE screening. All these relatives were interviewed and underwent abdominal ultrasonography, chest X-ray and immunodiagnostic studies (relatives who had been diagnosed with or had undergone surgery for CE were excluded). Descriptive statistics were applied. Prevalence calculation, odds ratio (OR), and their respective 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) were determined. Abdominal or thoracic CE was verified in 42 relatives of subjects operated on for HE (mean age 41±8 years; 73.8% women; 38.1% of cases had two or more cysts), all of them new and asymptomatic cases. CE was detected in the lungs, liver, peritoneum, and spleen in 16.7%; 71.4%; 7.1%; and 4.8%, respectively. The overall prevalence of EQ during the studied time period was 14,6% (17.9% and 12.3% in relatives of first and second degree respectively (OR:1.56; CI 95%: 0.81; 3.01). There is a high prevalence of CE in relatives of patients undergoing surgery by this disease in the province of Cautín, Chile.

Prevalence of cystic echinococcosis among livestock in pastoral and agro-pastoral areas in Uganda.

Cystic echinococcosis (CE) remains a significant challenge in Uganda with precise status largely undocumented in most communities. To determine CE prevalence, post-mortem examination was done on 14 937 livestock (5873 goats, 1377 sheep, 3726 zebu cattle and 3054 Ankole cattle) slaughtered in abattoirs in the districts of Moroto in Karamoja region, Kumi in Teso region and Nakasongola and Luwero in Buganda region. The overall CE prevalence was 21.9% in sheep, 15.2% in zebu cattle, 5.5% in goats and 2.1% in Ankole cattle. Moroto district had a higher prevalence of CE than other districts with 31.3% in zebu cattle, sheep 28%, goats 29.1% and (0%) in Ankole cattle. On organ locations, the lungs were the most affected in all livestock in all the study areas. Considering cyst fertility, 33.9, 1.7 and 6.4% of Ankole cattle, sheep and zebu cattle respectively had fertile cysts in the liver while 4.5% of goats and 4% Ankole cattle had fertile cysts in the lungs. In conclusion, CE is widespread and occurs among cattle, sheep and goats in pastoral and agro-pastoral areas in Uganda. Therefore, there is an urgent need to create awareness among the communities on role of livestock in CE epidemiology and transmission.

Ultrasound-Based Prevalence of Cystic Echinococcosis in the Samarkand Region of Uzbekistan: Results from a Field Survey.

Cystic echinococcosis (CE) is a zoonosis caused by Echinococcus granulosus. Uzbekistan is endemic for CE, but estimates of disease burden are lacking. We present findings from a cross-sectional, ultrasound-based survey evaluating the prevalence of human CE in the Samarkand region, Uzbekistan. The survey was conducted between September and October 2019 in the Payariq district, Samarkand. Study villages were selected based on sheep breeding and reported human CE. Residents aged 5-90 years were invited to receive a free abdominal ultrasound examination. The WHO Informal Working Group on Echinococcosis classification was used for cyst staging. Information regarding CE diagnosis and treatment was collected. Of 2,057 screened subjects, 498 (24.2%) were male. Twelve (0.58%) had detectable abdominal CE cysts. In total, five active/transitional (N = 1 CE1, N = 1 CE2, N = 3 CE3b) and 10 inactive cysts (N = 8 CE4, N = 2 CE5) were identified. Two participants had cystic lesions with no pathognomonic features of CE and were given a 1-month course of albendazole for diagnostic purposes. Twenty-three additional individuals reported previous surgery for CE in the liver (65.2%), lungs (21.6%), spleen (4.4%), liver and lungs (4.4%), and brain (4.4%). Our findings confirm the presence of CE in the Samarkand region, Uzbekistan. Additional studies are needed to assess the burden of human CE in the country. All patients with a history of CE reported surgery, even though most cysts found during the current study were inactive. Therefore, it appears there is a lack of awareness by the local medical community of the currently accepted stage-specific management of CE.

What do we know about the epidemiology and the management of human echinococcosis in Albania?

Echinococcosis is a life-threatening neglected zoonotic disease. Cystic echinococcosis (CE) due to Echinococcus (E.) granulosus usually involves livestock and dogs; alveolar echinococcosis (AE) due to E. multilocularis involves rodents and canines such as foxes and dogs. Human hosts are infected accidentally via hand to mouth and/or foodborne/waterborne pathways. Albania is deemed to be endemic for cystic echinococcosis (CE), but there is a scarcity of data to confirm this. A systematic literature search was performed in PubMed, Google Scholar, and in other medical sources. Because of the scarcity of existing information, data confirming CE cases were reviewed from the medical hospital records of Albania’s largest Hospital, the Mother Teresa University Hospital (UHCMT) Tirana, and from a large private laboratory in Tirana (Pegasus laboratory). A total of eight eligible publications on 540 CE patients were found. Three hundred forty seven additional cases hospitalized in UHCMT from 2011 to 2020 were confirmed, as well as 36 laboratory cases and 10 Albanian cases notified in Germany. Taking all cases into account and considering 162 overlapping cases, 771 cases were documented from 2011 to 2020. The only case reported as AE was most likely a multi-organic CE. Surgery was the most frequent therapy approach used (84.7%). Autochthonous human CE seems to be widespread, and transmission is ongoing in Albania. CE patients in Albania undergo surgery more frequently compared with CE cases in other European countries. In order to establish a realistic estimate of prevalence and incidence of CE in Albania, mandatory notification should be reinforced. Stage-specific therapy can be used in CE to reduce therapy cost and diminish mortality by avoiding surgical overtreatment.

Epidemiological characteristics and risk factors for cystic and alveolar echinococcosis in China: an analysis of a national population-based field survey

BackgroundHuman cystic and alveolar echinococcosis are neglected tropical diseases that WHO has prioritized for control in recent years. Both diseases impose substantial burdens on public health and the socio-economy in China. In this study, which is based on the national echinococcosis survey from 2012 to 2016, we aim to describe the spatial prevalence and demographic characteristics of cystic and alveolar echinococcosis infections in humans and assess the impact of environmental, biological and social factors on both types of the disease.MethodsWe computed the sex-, age group-, occupation- and education level-specific prevalences of cystic and alveolar echinococcosis at national and sub-national levels. We mapped the geographical distribution of echinococcosis prevalence at the province, city and county levels. Finally, by analyzing the county-level echinococcosis cases combined with a range of associated environmental, biological and social factors, we identified and quantified the potential risk factors for echinococcosis using a generalized linear model.ResultsA total of 1,150,723 residents were selected and included in the national echinococcosis survey between 2012 and 2016, of whom 4161 and 1055 tested positive for cystic and alveolar echinococcosis, respectively. Female gender, older age, occupation at herdsman, occupation as religious worker and illiteracy were identified as risk factors for both types of echinococcosis. The prevalence of echinococcosis was found to vary geographically, with areas of high endemicity observed in the Tibetan Plateau region. Cystic echinococcosis prevalence was positively correlated with cattle density, cattle prevalence, dog density, dog prevalence, number of livestock slaughtered, elevation and grass area, and negatively associated with temperature and gross domestic product (GDP). Alveolar echinococcosis prevalence was positively correlated with precipitation, level of awareness, elevation, rodent density and rodent prevalence, and negatively correlated with forest area, temperature and GDP. Our results also implied that drinking water sources are significantly associated with both diseases.ConclusionsThe results of this study provide a comprehensive understanding of geographical patterns, demographic characteristics and risk factors of cystic and alveolar echinococcosis in China. This important information will contribute towards developing targeted prevention measures and controlling diseases from the public health perspective.Graphical

The Impact of Environmental and Host Factors on Human Cystic Echinococcosis: A County-Level Modeling Study in Western China.

Human cystic echinococcosis (CE) is a parasitic disease caused by tapeworms from the Echinococcus granulosus genus, potentially affected by the environment and host animals. West China is one of the most endemic areas of human CE nation and worldwide. The current study identifies the crucial environmental and host factors of human CE prevalence in the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau and non-Qinghai-Tibet Plateau regions. An optimal county-level model was used to analyze the association between key factors and human CE prevalence within the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. Geodetector analysis and multicollinearity tests identify key factors, and an optimal model is developed through generalized additive models. In the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, four key factors were identified from the 88 variables, such as maximum annual precipitation (Pre), maximum summer normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI), Tibetan population rate (TibetanR), and positive rates of Echinococcus coproantigen in dogs (DogR). Based on the optimal model, a significant positive linear relationship was observed between maximum annual Pre and human CE prevalence. A probable U-shaped curve depicts the non-linear relationship between maximum summer NDVI and the human CE prevalence. Human CE prevalence possesses significant positive non-linear relationships with TibetanR and DogR. Human CE transmission is integrally affected by environmental and host factors. This explains the mechanism of human CE transmission based on the pathogen, host, and transmission framework. Therefore, the current study provides references and innovative ideas for preventing and controlling human CE in western China.

Cystic echinococcosis in Iceland: a brief history and genetic analysis of a 46-year-old Echinococcus isolate collected prior to the eradication of this zoonotic disease.

Cystic echinococcosis (CE) is considered the most severe parasitic disease that ever affected the human population in Iceland. Before the start of eradication campaign in the 1860s, Iceland was a country with very high prevalence of human CE, with approximately every fifth person infected. Eradication of CE from Iceland by 1979 was a huge success story and served as a leading example for other countries on how to combat such a severe One Health problem. However, there is no genetic information on Echinococcus parasites before eradication. Here, we reveal the genetic identity for one of the last Echinococcus isolates in Iceland, obtained from a sheep 46 years ago (1977). We sequenced a large portion of the mitochondrial genome (8141 bp) and identified the isolate as Echinococcus granulosus sensu stricto genotype G1. As G1 is known to be highly infective genotype to humans, it may partly explain why such a large proportion of human population in Iceland was infected at a time . The study demonstrates that decades-old samples hold significant potential to uncover genetic identities of parasites in the past.

Case Series of Cystic Echinococcosis Over a Twelve-year Period at Sultan Qaboos University Hospital, Oman.

Cystic echinococcosis is a worldwide zoonosis that is endemic in many countries including some in the Middle East. Exact prevalence rates for human echinococcosis are unknown for Oman. Following obtaining ethical approval, data from January 2010 to December 2021 were retrieved from hospital electronic records of Sultan Qaboos University Hospital, Muscat. Over a 12-year period we saw nine cases of hydatid disease; two cases in females and seven cases in males. The median age of our patients was 31 years old. Four patients had pulmonary cysts, four had hepatic cysts, and one patient had pulmonary and hepatic cysts. The majority of patients were from the Ad Dakhiliyah governorate. Contact with animals was reported by three patients, denied by two, and unknown for four. Albendazole was prescribed to three patients with pulmonary cysts that subsequently ruptured reflecting the unfamiliarity of clinicians to best manage pulmonary hydatid cysts. The prevalence of cystic echinococcosis in Oman is unknown but appears rare. For optimal management of this disease, clinicians must become more aware of its diagnosis and management.

Survey and Molecular Characterization of Echinococcus granulosus sensu stricto from Livestock and Humans in the Altai Region of Xinjiang, China

Cystic echinococcosis (CE), caused by the metacestode Echinococcus granulosus sensu stricto (s.s.), is an important zoonotic parasite, endemic in the Altai region of China. It is a serious human health risk and causes livestock losses. To evaluate the prevalence, genetic variation, and population structure of CE, 2898 sheep and 703 cattle were examined from October 2019 to mid-February 2020 in the Altai region (Altai, Habahe, Fuhai, and Buerjin). Sheep had an infection rate of 4.52% (131/2898) and cattle had an infection rate of 4.84% (34/703). In total, 180 cyst isolates were obtained, including 131 sheep, 34 cattle, and 15 from CE human patients. The cysts were investigated using mitochondrial cytochrome C oxidase subunit 1 (cox1). Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) results showed that, among the two genotypes of E. granulosus s.s., there were 22 different haplotypes (Haps). Phylogenetic analysis and parsimony network indicated that seventeen (77.27%) Haps belonged to the sheep strain (G1 genotype) and five Haps (22.73%) belonged to the buffalo strain (G3 genotype). Hap3 was the most common haplotype (65.00%, 112/180), which belongs to the G1 genotype. Hap18−Hap22 were found in human samples, indicating that sheep and cattle reservoirs of human CE. Molecular diversity indices revealed the high levels of haplotype diversity and relatively low levels of nucleotide diversity. Tajima’s D and Fu’s Fs tests displayed that the Altai population had a significant deviation from neutrality. Based on pairwise fixation index (Fst) values, a low level of genetic differentiation was found between the populations of E. granulosus s.s. isolated from different regions. The present survey findings represent an epidemiological survey of CE in the Altai region where there were two genotypes simultaneously and will provide more information on the genetic structure of E. granulosus s.s. within this region.

An Epidemiological Survey to Investigate the Prevalence of Cystic Echinococcosis in Slaughtered Bovine Hosts in Punjab, Pakistan.

Cystic echinococcosis (CE) is a neglected zoonotic disease of worldwide geographical distribution. CE is most common in underdeveloped and herding communities where people survive on animal husbandry and agricultural activities. The prevalence of CE in livestock and its risk factors are widely underreported, because of inefficient surveillance systems. The aim of this study was to evaluate the epidemiological characteristics and prevalence of CE in cattle in Punjab, Pakistan. Data were collected from slaughterhouses from September 2021 to February 2022. Ante- and postmortem examination and cyst characterization were performed. Epidemiological, demographic, and one health data were collected. A total of 8877 animals (8096 buffalo, 781 cattle) were examined, and the prevalence of CE was 6.22% (n = 552) in all animals, with a higher prevalence in cattle (15.20% vs. buffalo 5.83%). Prevalence was not significantly different in males and females. Of the 23 districts studied, the highest prevalence was in the Haripur district of KP (20.85%). The majority of animals studied were older than 3 years. Most cysts were found in animals older than 5 years. Lungs and liver were the predominant sites for the presence of cysts (65.58% and 31.34%, respectively. Of the collected cysts, 29.71% were fertile. The findings may be useful in estimating the eco-epidemiology of CE and improving surveillance and prevention programs in Pakistan.

The Diagnosis of Sheep Cystic Echinococcosis by Native Antigen B - Elisa Method

Cystic echinococcosis (CE) is one of the most prevalent zoonotic diseases in some countries in the world. Cystic echinococcosis is considered a neglected disease. This disease increases economic damage via medical costs and loss of human and livestock productivity. The aim of the current study gains a better understanding of the prevalence of CE in sheep. Totally 250 sheep sera were collected. 25 serum samples from newborn lambs were used as negative, and 25 others were obtained from slaughterhouses as positive to infection with CE and 200 unknown sera. Antigen B Isolated from hydatid cysts fluid was used for designing ELISA methods. The first Method used anti-Sheep conjugate (SIGMA, at 1:3000 dilution). According to the results, the seroprevalence of CE in East Azerbaijan of Iran was 5.5% and sensitivity and specificity for the diagnosis of hydatidosis in sheep by AgB-ELISA methods was 92%. Using Antigen B in ELISA design for hydatidosis diagnosis has attracted researchers in recent years. During this study, an Iranian native B antigen was used to design the specific detection of hydatidosis in sheep using a specific ELISA technique. The results have shown that using Antigen B in ELISA design is so valuable.

Prevalence of Cystic Echinococcosis Genotypes in Iranian Animals: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Background Cystic echinococcosis is considered a public health problem that if left untreated can have dangerous consequences for the person. The disease is caused by Echinococcus granulosus sensu lato larvae. The main risk factors for this parasitic infection are habitat, direct contact with dogs, use of raw vegetables, and use of unwashed vegetables. The most important factors affecting the prevalence of HCD are economic, occupational, agricultural, educational, and factors related to public health and cultural habits of the general public in that geographical area. Objectives The purpose of this study was to investigate the prevalence of the types of cystic echinococcosis genotypes (E. granulosus sensu stricto (G1-G3) and E. Canadensis (G6 and G7)) in livestock in Iran. Method This systematic review was conducted, using Medline/PubMed, Scopus, Web of Sciences, and Google Scholar databases, to identify studies of cystic echinococcosis in animals published from 2010 to April 14, 2021. Finally, 28 studies were selected for meta-analysis, which was analyzed using Stata software version 14. The cystic echinococcosis prevalence with 95% confidence intervals of animals was synthesized using the random effect model. Heterogeneity was evaluated and in cases where the I2 index was higher than 75%, subgroup analysis was performed according to the types of animals. Result The highest prevalence of cystic echinococcosis infection was related to G1 genotype (P = 0.91 (95% CI = 0.84, 0.97)) and the prevalence was related to G2 genotype (P = 0.07(95% CI = 0.00, 0.18)). The results of the subgroup analysis showed that in the G1 genotype the highest prevalence was observed in Goats and Buffaloes with P = 1 (95% CI = 0.96, 1) and P = 1 (95% CI = 0.97, 1), in the G3 and G6 genotypes the highest prevalence was observed in camels with P = 0.50 (95% CI = 0.31, 0.69), and P = 0.45 (95% CI = 0.22, 0.69), respectively. Conclusion The cystic echinococcosis genotypes vary from region to region or from country to country and also from host to host, and according to the results, it should always be stopped in areas where the prevalence of such genomes suitable for livestock as well as human food sources to prevent infection of livestock and thus human exposure to cystic echinococcosis.

Epidemiology and characterization of echinococcus in Samburu and Maasai Mara game park and surrounding environments in Kenya

Echinococcus granulosus parasite exists in two distinct life cycle patterns; domestic cycle involving domestic dogs and livestock; and sylvatic cycle that involves wild canids and wild herbivores. The disease caused by this parasite is debilitating especially in human and it causes major economic loses to the countries affected. This study was carried out to characterize genotypes of Echinococcus species and the disease epidemiology in wildlife and domestic cycles. The study was conducted in Samburu and Maasai Mara game parks and areas close to the reserves. Humans in two pastoral communities, living in study areas were examined for presence of hydatid cysts. Additionally, animal organs were collected for inspection of hydatid cysts. Faecal samples were also collected for taeniid eggs examination, and those specimens used for genotypic analysis. A total of 4078 individuals were examined by ultrasound for presence of hydatid cysts. The prevalence of cystic echinococcosis (CE) was 1.2 % within Maasai Mara and 1.1% in Samburu. In addition, a total of 1977 organs were collected from slaughter houses and inspected for hydatid cysts, with 246 (12.4%) percent prevalence. recorded Different animals had varied frequencies of cyst burden with majority of the cysts found in liver and lungs. Nine hundred and six faecal samples of domestic dogs were screened and a taenia prevalence of 6.1% recorded. In wild life, 729 faecal samples of wild carnivores were also collected and screened for taeniid eggs with a positivity of 7.3 %. In Livestock, specific genotypes in Samburu were Echinococcosis granulosus (G1-3) the sheep strain, Echinococcus canadensis (G6/7) the Camel strain and Echinococcus ortleppi (G5) the cattle strain. Interestingly, In Maasai Mara livestock, all samples screened typed for Echinococcosis granulosus (G1-3), the most pathogenic genotype reported globally. In Samburu, genotypes in domestic dogs were E. granulosus (G1-3) (sheep strain), E. felidis (lion strain) with other Taenia species including T. multiceps, T. hydatigena, T. madoquae. For a few Taenia speciation was not possible. In Maasai Mara domestic dog samples, E. granulosus (G1-3), E. felidis, E. ortleppi, E. canadensis, T. hydatigena and T. multiceps were founds. In wild carnivores, specific genotypes including E. granulosus (G1-3) the sheep strain, E. felidis the lion strain, E. canadensis G6/7, T. hyadtigena, T. Multiceps, and T. Saginata, and Maasai Mara E. granulosus (G1-3) (the sheep strain), E. felidis, T. multiceps, and T. hyadtigena were identified. Overall, these results indicate possible interlink between domestic and wildlife Echinococcus cycles and active transmission of Echinococcus and other Taenia species. Finally, more studies on genomic differences between Echinococcus granulosus s.s genotype and Echinococcus felidis are required. &#x0D;