Cystic Echincoccoosis: A Comprehensive Review on Life Cycle, Epidemiology, Pathogenesis, Clinical Spectrum, Diagnosis, Public Health and Economic Implications, Treatment, and Control

Abstract

The larval (metacestode) stage of cestodes belonging to the genus Echinococ-cus, family Taeniidae, causes echinococcosis, which is one of the most serious tropical helminthic infections of livestock with financial and public health implications in both developed and developing countries. The larval stage of Echinococcus granulosus causes cystic echinococcosis (CE), a serious zoonosis. Cystic echinococcosis causes significant economic loss in farm animals due to the condemnation of edible organs, decreased meat and milk output, lower hide and fleece value, and decreased reproduction. In humans, economic loss refers to monetary losses incurred as a result of diagnosis, hospitalization, surgical intervention, or percutaneous therapies. Treatments, post-treatment care, and travel for patients and family members, as well as indirect costs, such as mortality and suffering. With the exception of Antarctica and nations where echino-coccosis has been eradicated by extensive control efforts, such as Iceland, New Zealand, Tasmania, and the Falkland Islands, it is associated with substantial economic losses and public health significance globally. Carnivores are well-known for being terrific hosts. The infection occurs when humans consume parasite eggs found in the contaminated food, drink, or soil, or when they come into direct contact with animal hosts. Specific control measures include stray-dog control, registration of all owned dogs, spaying of bitches, and prazi-quantel medication of all (or most) dogs at predetermined intervals (such as every 6 or 8 weeks), strict meat inspection, proper disposal of affected viscera of food animals, and health education.