Echinococcus granulosus – a global zoonotic problem and diagnostic possibilities in animals

Abstract

Echinococcus granulosus is a tapeworm, the larval forms of which are causative agents of cystic echinococcosis: a dangerous, widespread zoonotic disease. It is a cosmopolitan species, found in many countries on all continents, thus threatening the productivity of livestock and the health of the people around the world. With the development of molecular methods, several distinct species were separated from E. granulosus s.l., differing in host range, geographical distribution, morphology of mature and larval forms, time of maturation and location of the larvae in individual organs. The purpose of the present review is to summarize current knowledge about the epidemiology and geographical distribution within the species E. granulosus s.l. in definitive hosts (dogs) as well as intermediate hosts (livestock). The paper also indicates the most epidemiological relevant genotypes of E. granulosus in a particular area. Moreover, methods of diagnosis of the parasite and the risk factors favorable to its spread and infection are described in this article.