Emergence/re-emergence of Echinococcus spp.--a global update

Area of Science:

• Parasitology
• Veterinary Medicine
• Public Health

Background:

• Echinococcus infections cause significant disease and mortality in animals and humans globally.
• The genus Echinococcus has expanded to new continents, exploiting naive wildlife populations.
• Echinococcus granulosus comprises 10 strains with distinct host specificities impacting disease control.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide an updated review of the biological aspects of the genus Echinococcus.
• To focus on newly recognized endemic areas of Echinococcus transmission.
• To address the role of wildlife reservoirs and emerging public health concerns.

Main Methods:

• Comprehensive literature review of biological aspects of Echinococcus.
• Analysis of transmission patterns, including historical spread and new endemic regions.
• Examination of host specificities of Echinococcus granulosus strains and Echinococcus shiquicus.

Main Results:

• Echinococcus transmission has expanded globally, facilitated by European colonization and wildlife.
• Echinococcus granulosus exhibits complex strain diversity with implications for control strategies.
• Wildlife reservoirs are crucial for perpetuating Echinococcus transmission to domestic animals and humans.

Conclusions:

• Echinococcus re-emergence as a public health issue is linked to human behavior and political instability.
• Understanding strain-specific host interactions is vital for effective Echinococcus control.
• The newly described species, Echinococcus shiquicus, adds to the complexity of Echinococcus epidemiology.