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Echinococcus granulosus in animals in northern India
1Division of Parasitology, Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, U.P.
Veterinary Parasitology
|May 1, 1988
Summary
Larval Echinococcus granulosus infection is prevalent in Indian livestock, particularly buffaloes, sheep, and goats. Fertile cysts were more common in sheep and goats, while sterile cysts dominated buffalo infections, impacting parasite transmission.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Parasitology
- Zoonotic Diseases
- Public Health
Background:
- Echinococcus granulosus causes cystic echinococcosis, a significant zoonotic disease.
- Understanding parasite prevalence in livestock and definitive hosts is crucial for control strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of Echinococcus granulosus larval stages in buffaloes, sheep, and goats.
- To assess the infection rates in stray and shepherd dogs in northern India.
- To analyze cyst fertility and predilection sites in intermediate hosts.
Main Methods:
- Veterinary examination of slaughtered buffaloes, sheep, and goats for hydatid cysts.
- Necropsy of stray and shepherd dogs for Echinococcus granulosus adult worms.
- Microscopic evaluation of cyst fertility.
Main Results:
- Prevalence rates: 48.1% in buffaloes, 30.5% in sheep, 21.0% in goats.
- Higher infection rates in older buffaloes; lungs and livers were primary sites.
- Buffalo cysts were predominantly sterile (71.1%), while sheep/goat cysts were mostly fertile (90.0%).
- Shepherd dogs had higher infection rates than stray dogs; stray dogs near slaughterhouses showed increased prevalence.
Conclusions:
- Echinococcus granulosus poses a significant parasitic threat to livestock in northern India.
- Differences in cyst fertility between host species suggest varying transmission potentials.
- Dog population, especially those near slaughterhouses, plays a critical role in Echinococcus granulosus transmission cycles.