31 January 2024 | Mihai-Octav Hogaă, Bogdan-Florin Ciomaga, Mădălina-Maria Muntean, Andrei-Alexandru Muntean, Mircea Ioan Popă, Gabriela Loredana Popă
Cystic echinococcosis (CE) is a zoonotic disease caused by *Echinococcus granulosus*, a parasite that affects both humans and animals. Despite being classified as a neglected tropical disease by the World Health Organization (WHO), CE remains a significant public health issue due to its endemicity and potential morbidity. The control and prevention of CE are crucial, especially from a One Health perspective, as the disease affects not only animals and humans but also the food chain.
This review aims to provide an updated overview of CE, focusing on recent epidemiological findings and their correlation with WHO recommendations. The study analyzed 751 research articles, reducing them to 52 after applying specific inclusion and exclusion criteria. Key international projects, such as the HERACLES and mEmE initiatives, have made significant contributions to CE research and control.
The HERACLES project, conducted between 2013 and 2018, focused on areas in Europe and associated countries with suspected or confirmed endemic status. It established the European Register of Cystic Echinococcosis (ERCE) and developed new molecular-based tools for detection, diagnosis, and follow-up. The mEmE project, also conducted between 2013 and 2018, aimed to address research gaps related to *E. multilocularis* and *E. granulosus* sensu lato in Europe, focusing on the development and harmonization of diagnostic methods in the food chain.
The review highlights the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in CE management, emphasizing the need for standardized protocols in sample collection, diagnostic methodologies, and new treatment strategies. Despite the progress, challenges such as underreporting, methodological disparities, and limited epidemiological data persist. The authors conclude that further research and collaboration are essential to improve the control and prevention of CE.Cystic echinococcosis (CE) is a zoonotic disease caused by *Echinococcus granulosus*, a parasite that affects both humans and animals. Despite being classified as a neglected tropical disease by the World Health Organization (WHO), CE remains a significant public health issue due to its endemicity and potential morbidity. The control and prevention of CE are crucial, especially from a One Health perspective, as the disease affects not only animals and humans but also the food chain.
This review aims to provide an updated overview of CE, focusing on recent epidemiological findings and their correlation with WHO recommendations. The study analyzed 751 research articles, reducing them to 52 after applying specific inclusion and exclusion criteria. Key international projects, such as the HERACLES and mEmE initiatives, have made significant contributions to CE research and control.
The HERACLES project, conducted between 2013 and 2018, focused on areas in Europe and associated countries with suspected or confirmed endemic status. It established the European Register of Cystic Echinococcosis (ERCE) and developed new molecular-based tools for detection, diagnosis, and follow-up. The mEmE project, also conducted between 2013 and 2018, aimed to address research gaps related to *E. multilocularis* and *E. granulosus* sensu lato in Europe, focusing on the development and harmonization of diagnostic methods in the food chain.
The review highlights the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in CE management, emphasizing the need for standardized protocols in sample collection, diagnostic methodologies, and new treatment strategies. Despite the progress, challenges such as underreporting, methodological disparities, and limited epidemiological data persist. The authors conclude that further research and collaboration are essential to improve the control and prevention of CE.