Study of human echinococcosis
- VernacularTitle:Хүний бэтэг өвчний судлагдсан байдал
- Author:
Rolomjav L
1
;
Bayar Ts
1
;
Enkhjargal A
2
;
Suvd B
2
;
Burmaajav B
2
Author Information
1. National Center for Zoonotic Diseases
2. Ach Medical University
- Publication Type:Review
- Keywords:
echinococcosis;
parasitic disease;
prevalence;
zoonotic disease
- From:Mongolian Medical Sciences
2025;212(2):52-61
- CountryMongolia
- Language:Mongolian
-
Abstract:
Human echinococcosis is a zoonotic disease (a disease that is transmitted to humans from
animals) that is caused by parasites, namely tapeworms of the genus Echinococcus. A
number of herbivorous and omnivorous animals act as intermediate hosts of Echinococcus.
They become infected by ingesting the parasite eggs in contaminated food and water, and
the parasite then develops into larval stages in the viscera. Alveolar echinococcosis usually
occurs in a wildlife cycle between foxes or other carnivores with small mammals (mostly
rodents) acting as intermediate hosts. Domesticated dogs and cats can also act as definitive
hosts. Human infection with E. granulosus leads to the development of one or more hydatid
cysts located most often in the liver and lungs, and less frequently in the bones, kidneys,
spleen, muscles and central nervous system. In endemic regions, human incidence rates for
cystic echinococcosis can reach more than 50 per 100 000 person-years, and prevalence
levels as high as 5%–10% may occur in parts of Argentina, Peru, East Africa, Central Asia
and China. In livestock, the prevalence of cystic echinococcosis found in slaughterhouses in
hyperendemic areas of South America varies from 20%–95% of slaughtered animals. The
highest prevalence is found in rural areas where older animals are slaughtered. Depending on
the infected species involved, livestock production losses attributable to cystic echinococcosis
result from liver condemnation and may also involve reduction in carcass weight, decrease in
hide value, decrease of milk production, and reduced fertility. Ultrasonography imaging is the
technique of choice for the diagnosis of both cystic echinococcosis and alveolar echinococcosis
in humans. This technique is usually complemented or validated by computed tomography
(CT) and/or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans. The choice must primarily be based
on the ultrasound images of the cyst, following a stage-specific approach, and also on the
medical infrastructure and human resources available. Worldwide, there may be in excess
of 1 million people living with these diseases at any one time. Many of these people will be
experiencing severe clinical syndromes which are life-threatening if left untreated. Even with
treatment, people often face reduced quality of life. For cystic echinococcosis, there is an
average of 2.2% post-operative death rate for surgical patients and about 6.5% of cases
relapse after an intervention, thereby requiring prolonged recovery time.
- Full text:2025122317441890224MAUS-2025-212(2)-52-61.pdf
