Search Results (120)

Cystic echinococcosis (CE) is a zoonotic disease caused by the larval stage of the Echinococcus granulosus sensu lato (s.l.) complex. The disease is globally distributed, with particularly high prevalence in Central Asian countries, including Kazakhstan. Despite its significant impact on public health and livestock production, data on CE in sheep in Kazakhstan remain limited. This study investigated the prevalence and genetic diversity of Echinococcus granulosus sensu stricto (s.s.) in sheep across Kazakhstan, addressing an important zoonotic disease affecting both livestock and human health. Over the course of one year, a total of 31,389 sheep were examined, and cystic echinococcosis cysts were collected from the livers and lungs of 550 infected sheep across 14 regions of Kazakhstan. Molecular analyses targeting mitochondrial genes (nad1, cox1) were performed to determine genetic diversity. The results revealed a higher occurrence of CE in the southern regions of the country. Among the genotyped isolates (57), genotype G1 was dominant, accounting for 84.2% (48) of the samples, whereas genotype G3 (9) was detected at a lower frequency in three regions. A total of 11 distinct haplotypes were identified, indicating considerable genetic diversity among the isolates. Haplotype network analysis suggested gene flow among populations and revealed the widespread presence of the most common haplotype (EgKZ-2) across multiple regions. These findings highlight the need for continuous monitoring and targeted control strategies for cystic echinococcosis, emphasizing the importance of understanding parasite genetic diversity for public health interventions and livestock management in endemic areas. Overall, this study contributes to the understanding of the genetic diversity and transmission dynamics of E. granulosus s.s. in Central Asia. Full article

In Serbia, human echinococcosis cases are predominantly diagnosed as the cystic form, caused by Echinococcus granulosus sensu lato (s. l.) complex tapeworms. Alveolar echinococcosis, a more severe disease caused by Echinococcus multilocularis, emerged recently. Domestic dogs have been implicated in the transmission of E. granulosus sensu stricto G1/3 to humans. In an ongoing screening of definitive hosts for the presence of Echinococcus spp. to discover reservoirs of E. multilocularis, fecal samples of hunting (n = 29) and stray dogs (n = 66) were examined. Taeniid eggs were collected using flotation and mesh filtration. The presence of Cyclophyllidea, E. granulosus s. l. and E. multilocularis DNA was detected by specific PCR assays. In total, 60% of the fecal samples contained cyclophyllidean DNA, while Echinococcus spp. DNA was detected in 7.4% of the samples. E. canadensis G6–8,10 DNA was present in 4.2% and E. multilocularis in 3.2% of the samples. E. multilocularis DNA was detected only in stray dog feces, suggesting that strays are a reservoir and possibly an important link in the transmission chain. To the best of our knowledge, this study provides the first molecular identification of Echinococcus spp. in dogs in Serbia. Full article

Background: Cystic echinococcosis (CE) is a chronic zoonotic parasitic disease with a significant impact on public health in endemic regions. The liver is the most frequently affected organ, and ultrasound-based surveys are considered a reliable tool for detecting asymptomatic infections. As population-based data specifically addressing hepatic CE prevalence in Türkiye remain limited, we aimed to assess the prevalence of liver cystic echinococcosis in Türkiye using only ultrasound-based surveys. Methods: A systematic review was conducted, in accordance with the PRISMA guidelines, to estimate the prevalence of liver CE in Türkiye based exclusively on ultrasound-based field surveys. Electronic databases (PubMed and Scopus) were searched up to March 2026. Eligible studies included population-based human screening surveys reporting hepatic CE prevalence confirmed via ultrasonography. Data were extracted and descriptively pooled, with subgroup analyses performed according to age group (children vs. adults) and residential setting (urban vs. rural). The protocol was prospectively registered in the International Platform of Registered Systematic Review and Meta-analysis Protocols (INPLASY; registration Number: INPLASY202630029). Only human ultrasound-based screening studies including liver CE data were accepted; alveolar echinococcosis studies were excluded. Pooled prevalence estimates with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using a random-effects model, and between-study heterogeneity was assessed with the I² statistic. Results: We analyzed the data of 23,154 people from 11 different provinces reported in 8 studies. The overall pooled liver CE prevalence was 0.31% (95% CI: 0.14–0.54), while it was 0.12% and 0.43% for urban and rural residents, respectively. Adults had higher prevalence of liver CE than children (0.43% vs. 0.16%). When separated by both living area and age, the prevalence rates were as follows: urban children 0.07%, urban adults 0.21%, rural children 0.29% and rural adults 0.60%. Conclusions: This is the first systematic review evaluating the prevalence of liver CE in Türkiye exclusively from ultrasound-based studies. While the overall prevalence of liver CE was 0.31%, adults living in rural areas presented a nearly two-fold higher rate (0.60%). Ultrasound-based screening provides a practical and effective approach for epidemiological surveillance. Targeted control strategies—including community-based screening, health education, and veterinary interventions—are essential to reduce transmission and disease burden, particularly in high-risk rural populations. Full article

Hepatic echinococcosis, caused by Echinococcus species, remains a significant global health concern, with cystic echinococcosis (CE) being widespread and alveolar echinococcosis (AE) representing a rarer but more aggressive form. CE generally demonstrates characteristic imaging features, allowing straightforward diagnosis, whereas atypical presentations can closely mimic other hepatic lesions, leading to diagnostic uncertainty. AE poses an even greater diagnostic challenge due to its infiltrative, tumor-like growth pattern. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), with its superior soft-tissue contrast and multiplanar capabilities, plays a crucial role in the evaluation of AE and atypical CE cases. This pictorial review summarizes MRI features of hepatic echinococcosis, detailing both typical and atypical appearances, and emphasizes key criteria for differentiating hydatid cysts from other cystic or solid hepatic lesions. By consolidating imaging findings and discussing relevant differential diagnoses, this review aims to improve diagnostic accuracy, guide clinical management, and increase radiologists’ awareness of echinococcosis in both endemic and non-endemic regions. Full article

Cystic echinococcosis (CE) is caused by a tapeworm of the Echinococcus granulosus s.l. species complex belonging to the Taeniidae family. CE affects more than 100 countries, including Poland, while remaining a significant public health threat to both humans and livestock. The aim of this study was to identify the genotypes responsible for cases of cystic echinococcosis in Poland by conducting molecular analysis of larvae isolated from Polish patients, and to investigate the diagnostic pathways leading to CE diagnosis. Between April 2023 and January 2025, tissue samples were collected from 10 patients following hepatectomy. Analysis of diagnostic pathways revealed that radiological findings followed by PCR or histopathological testing were sufficient to establish a reliable diagnosis of CE in 90% and 100% of cases, respectively. Serological tests showed lower sensitivity, reaching 86% for ELISA and 71% for Western blot. DNA extracted from all samples was used as the template in PCR to amplify and sequence the region of the mitochondrial NADH dehydrogenase 1 gene (nad1). PCR analysis confirmed presence of Echinococcus granulosus s.l. species in eight cases. All obtained nad1 sequences showed identity with the Echinococcus canadensis G7 (pig) strain. These results indicate that it remains the most frequent causative agent of human cystic echinococcosis in Poland. Full article

Scavenger Receptors (SRs) comprise a structurally diverse group of pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) involved in sensing non-self (microbial-associated molecular patterns) or altered-self ligands. CD5 and CD6 are class I SRs (SR-I) preferentially expressed by lymphoid cells and characterized by the presence of several tandem scavenger receptor cysteine-rich (SRCR) domain repeats. Both receptors interact with diverse microbial structures, including tegumental antigens from Echinococcus granulosus sensu lato (s.l.), the cestode parasite responsible for cystic echinococcosis (CE). This is notable as very few PRRs are currently known to detect parasitic helminths and because the infusion of recombinant soluble CD5 and CD6 proteins has shown prophylactic effects in murine secondary CE. Herein, the role of CD5 and CD6 in early immune responses to E. granulosus s.l. tegumental antigens (PSEx) was analyzed using CD5 (Cd5^−/−) and CD6 (Cd6^−/−)-deficient mice. Peritoneal B cells and macrophages from wild-type mice displayed specific and dose-dependent PSEx binding, which was impaired in those from Cd5^−/− and Cd6^−/− mice, supporting direct and/or indirect roles in parasite recognition. Additionally, in vivo exposure of peritoneal exudate cells (PECs) from Cd5^−/− and Cd6^−/− mice to PSEx showed altered activation profiles, including changes in CD80/CD86 expression, impaired early production of natural polyreactive antibodies, and cytokine shift from a Th1/Th17 to a Th2 profile. These findings strongly support the involvement of CD5 and CD6 receptors in the early immune recognition of E. granulosus s.l. antigens by PECs and influence immune responses critical for host resistance, highlighting their relevance in host–parasite interactions. Full article

(1) Background: Echinococcosis is a significant zoonotic disease that the World Health Organization (WHO) aims to eliminate by 2050. Current drug-based control faces challenges such as drug resistance, highlighting the urgent need to develop vaccines as a supplementary strategy. Although some progress has been made in the study of intermediate host vaccines using antigens such as Eg95, there is still no commercial vaccine available for the definitive host, canines—which are crucial for transmission—and it is not yet suitable for large-scale use. While vaccine studies targeting the key enzyme lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) in parasite energy metabolism remain scarce, they represent a promising area of potential. (2) Methods: The B cell antigen epitopes of LDH were analyzed, and prokaryotic (pET-28a-EgLDH) and eukaryotic (pVAX1-EgLDH) DNA vaccine expression vectors were constructed. After verifying expression and immunogenicity via qRT-PCR and WB, in vitro validation was performed in 293T cells. Mice were immunized with the vaccine and then challenged with the parasite; blood was collected from the orbital sinus, and IgG levels and cytokines were measured by ELISA. Protective effects were assessed through counting liver cysts and histopathological analysis. (3) Results: We constructed the pVAX1-EgLDH plasmid and immunized Kunming (KM) mice. Compared with the PBS control group, the vaccine group showed an 80.95% reduction in liver cysts (Quil-A group: 19.00%). Histopathological analysis indicated no significant liver damage, although the spleens in the vaccine group were smaller. ELISA results demonstrated an increase in total IgG (p < 0.05), and cytokine analysis showed elevated levels of IL-1 (p < 0.01), IL-4, and IL-10 (p < 0.001), whereas IL-5 and IFN-γ showed no significant changes (p > 0.05). (4) Conclusions: The EgLDH DNA vaccine can elicit a specific immune response and significantly reduce cyst burden, providing theoretical basis and data support for its use as a candidate vaccine for the prevention and control of Echinococcosis. Full article

Background: Cystic echinococcosis (CE) remains a significant zoonotic burden in the pastoral regions of China. Yili Prefecture in Xinjiang is a high-risk area, yet comprehensive data are lacking on the prevalence and molecular characteristics of Echinococcus granulosus in its primary intermediate host, sheep. Methods: From 2020 to 2024, a total of 2700 sheep livers were visually inspected for hydatid cysts infection at one randomly selected slaughterhouse in each of the nine counties of Yili Prefecture. Ninety cyst-positive samples were subjected to morphological examination and molecular genotyping by amplifying and sequencing the nad2 gene. Results: The overall prevalence of E. granulosus was 22.0% (594/2700). County-level prevalence ranged from 18.3% (Zhaosu County) to 25.7% (Huocheng County), with no significant differences observed among the counties (p > 0.05) except between Huocheng and Zhaosu. Temporally, the annual prevalence fluctuated between 20.2% and 24.2% without a consistent downward trend. Genotyping revealed that the G1 genotype was overwhelmingly dominant (95.2%, 79/83), with a minor circulation of the G3 genotype (4.8%, 4/83). Fourteen haplotypes were identified; Hap1 was the central and predominant haplotype (47.0%, 39/83), found in all counties. Network analysis suggested a recent population expansion of the parasite. Conclusion: This five-year surveillance study reveals a persistently high prevalence and complex genetic diversity of E. granulosus in sheep in Yili Prefecture. The dominance of the zoonotic G1 genotype indicates a substantial public health threat. Our findings provide crucial data for contributing to the development of local control strategies. However, the specific reasons for the high infection rate in sheep remain unclear, as this study did not include examinations of definitive hosts or environmental samples; this gap should be addressed in future research. Full article

Cystic Echinococcosis (CE) is a rare but serious parasitic disease caused by Echinococcus granulosus sensu lato, representing only 1–2% of all hydatid disease cases. Due to its nonspecific clinical presentation, its diagnosis and management pose significant challenges. This study aimed to provide a comprehensive overview of intracranial CE cases reported globally over the past 35 years, focusing on demographic characteristics, clinical presentation, diagnostic approaches, treatment modalities, and outcomes. Methods: A systematic review was conducted in accordance with PRISMA guidelines and was registered in PROSPERO (CRD 42024608624). Relevant studies published between 1990 and 2024 were identified from PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases. Results: After screening and eligibility assessment, 392 studies involving 718 intracranial CE cases were included. The majority of patients were children (65%) and male (59.2%). The most frequent presenting symptoms were signs of increased intracranial pressure (79.4%), followed by motor deficits (37.9%) and visual disturbances (23.2%). Most cysts were located in the supratentorial region (88.9%), predominantly in the parietal lobe, and were solitary (88.4%). Surgical intervention was performed in 95.8% of cases, often combined with albendazole therapy. Complete recovery was observed in 85.5% of patients, while 8.7% died—primarily due to cyst rupture-related complications such as septicemia and anaphylaxis. Recurrence was reported in 26% of cases with follow-up. Conclusions: This review presents one of the most extensive analyses of intracranial CE to date. Despite being a rare manifestation, intracranial CE should be considered in the differential diagnosis of space-occupying brain lesions in endemic areas, particularly in paediatric patients. Full article

Background: Cystic echinococcosis (CE) is a globally distributed zoonosis triggered by the larval stage of Echinococcus granulosus (E. granulosus), impacting humans and an extensive array of mammalian intermediate hosts. EGR-01664 is the major egg antigen of E. granulosus, but almost nothing is currently known about the function of EGR-01664 from E. granulosus. Methods: This study aimed to investigate the E. granulosus EGR-01664 gene (GenBank ID: 36337379), and the recombinant EGR-01664 protein was expressed successfully. Next, the transcription of the EGR-01664 gene across various developmental stages of E. granulosus was analyzed. Its spatial expression patterns in adult worms and protoscoleces were characterized using both quantitative PCR (qPCR) and immunofluorescence assays. Furthermore, the immunomodulatory effects of rEGR-01664 on cell proliferation, nitric oxide production, and cytokine secretion were examined by co-culturing the recombinant protein with canine PBMCs. Results: The rEGR-01664 could be recognized by sera from dogs infected with E. granulosus. Immunofluorescence assay (IFA) localization revealed the protein’s presence in the epidermis of protoscoleces, the adult epidermis, and some parenchymal tissues. qPCR revealed that EGR-01664 mRNA levels were significantly higher in protoscoleces compared to adults (p < 0.0001). At a concentration of 20 μg/mL, rEGR-01664 could significantly activate the transcription and expression of IL-10, TGF-β1, IL-17A, and Bax in canine PBMCs. However, with an increase in concentration, it inhibited the expression of IFN-γ, Bcl-2, GSDMD, IL-18, and IL-1β. These results suggest that the EGR-01664 gene plays a crucial role in the development, parasitism, and reproduction of E. granulosus. In vitro studies have shown that rEGR-01664 protein regulates the immune regulation function of canine PBMCs, suggesting its potential as a vaccine adjuvant or immunotherapy target. Conclusions: EGR-01664 may modulate canine PBMC functions to regulate host immune responses, thereby facilitating our understanding of how E. granulosus EGR-01664 contributes to the mechanism of parasitic immune evasion. Full article

Cystic echinococcosis (CE) is an endemic zoonotic disease caused by Echinococcus granulosus, which forms cysts in ungulates’ intermediate hosts. Humans are accidental hosts, and CE affects more than one million people worldwide. Imaging remains the diagnostic gold standard, outperforming serological methods. This study presents an in silico analysis of two glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) isoenzymes from E. granulosus (EgGAPDH), isolated from a parasite cell line (EGPE). EgGAPDHs were recognized by sera from CE patients, identified through LC-MS/MS and PCR of metacestodes from cattle liver. One isoenzyme is intracellular (IC) (UniProt: W6UJ19), and the other is extracellular (EC) (UniProt: W6V1T8). GAPDH is involved in host–parasite interactions and metabolic processes. We characterized the physicochemical properties; linear epitopes (LEPs); and amino acid domains of EgGAPDH, its hosts, and other parasites. W6UJ19 emerged as the most promising isoenzyme as a marker of infection. Molecular dynamics simulations of isoenzymes, performed in the presence or absence of two bisphosphonates (BPs), revealed how drug binding alters conformational epitopes (CEPs) and suggested that W6UJ19 is more responsive to BP modulation. Binding affinity analysis using the MMPBSA method revealed that etidronate (EHDP) binds EgGAPDH with greater affinity than phosphate (Pi) and alendronate (AL), in the following order: EHDP > Pi > AL. Full article

Human echinococcosis is a zoonotic disease caused by accidental ingestion of tapeworm eggs of the genus Echinococcus, shed in the feces of animal definitive host. In the human duodenum, these eggs release oncospheres, which penetrate the intestinal wall and via the bloodstream reach the liver—the most common site for development of cysts. However, it is important to remember that any other organ can be affected via the bloodstream, due to larvae size. In Europe, the most diagnostically relevant species are Echinococcus granulosus, with a median incidence of 0.6 cases per 100,000 inhabitants, and Echinococcus multilocularis, with 0.1 cases per 100,000 inhabitants. This article aims to describe an exceptionally unusual location of human cystic echinococcosis in the anterior mediastinum. We describe the role of multidisciplinary diagnostics in establishing the definitive diagnosis. The pathomorphological examination, radiological imaging and serological testing for diagnosing cystic echinococcosis are hereby described. It is particularly important to avoid reporting unspecified Echinococcus (NOS) if possible, as the management and treatment of patients with echinococcosis varies depending on the species. Full article

Cystic echinococcosis (CE) is a globally distributed zoonotic disease caused by Echinococcus granulosus sensu lato, forming fluid-filled cysts in humans and livestock. These cysts consist of three layers: an inner germinal layer and a middle laminar layer of parasitic origin, and an outer adventitial layer derived from the host’s immune response. The adventitial layer typically contains immune cells such as T and B lymphocytes, macrophages, and other inflammatory cells. Notably, differences have been reported in the cellular composition of this layer depending on the host species. However, the variation in calprotectin expression—a protein specific to phagocytes—between cattle and sheep CE cysts has not been previously described. This study assessed calprotectin expression using immunohistochemistry with anti-calprotectin antibodies on adventitial tissue sections from cattle and sheep CE cysts. The results showed a significantly higher calprotectin expression in the adventitial layer of cattle cysts compared to sheep. This difference was not associated with the fertility or anatomical location of the cysts. These findings suggest that the host species influences the level of calprotectin expression in the adventitial layer, contributing to our understanding of host-specific immune responses in CE. Full article

Cystic echinococcosis is a zoonosis caused by the cestode Echinococcus granulosus sensu stricto. Population genetic studies and phylogeographic patterns are essential to understanding the transmission dynamics of this parasite under varying environmental conditions. In this study, the genetic diversity of E. granulosus s.s. was evaluated using 46 hydatid cyst samples obtained from sheep, goats, cattle, and humans across three regions of Chile: Coquimbo, La Araucanía, and Magallanes. Mitochondrial cox1 gene sequences were analyzed and compared with reference sequences reported from South America, Europe, Africa, Asia, and Oceania. In Chile, the EG01 haplotype was the predominant haplotype. A total of four haplotypes were identified, with low haplotype diversity (Hd = 0.461 ± 0.00637) and low nucleotide diversity (π = 0.00181 ± 0.00036). The haplotype network displayed a star-like configuration, with the EG01 genotype at the center, suggesting a potentially ancestral or widely distributed lineage. In Coquimbo (Tajima’s D = −0.93302, p = 0.061; Fu’s Fs = −0.003, p = 0.502) and Magallanes (Tajima’s D = −0.17406, p = 0.386; Fu’s Fs = −0.121, p = 0.414), both neutrality tests were non-significant, indicating no strong evidence for recent population expansion or selection. Star-like haplotype network patterns were also observed in populations from Europe, the Middle East, Asia, Africa, and Oceania, with the EG01 genotype occupying the central position. The population genetic structure of Echinococcus granulosus s.s. in Chile demonstrates considerable complexity, with EG01 as the predominant haplotype. Further comprehensive studies are required to assess the intraspecific genetic variability of E. granulosus s.s. throughout Chile and to determine whether this variability influences the key biological traits of the parasite. This structure may prove even more complex when longer fragments are analyzed, which could allow for the detection of finer-scale microdiversity among isolates from different hosts. We recommended that future cystic echinococcosis control programs take into account the genetic variability of E. granulosus s.s. strains circulating in each endemic region, to better understand their epidemiological, immunological, and possibly pathological differences. Full article

Cystic Echinococcosis (CE) is a significant zoonotic parasitic disease caused by Echinococcus cestode parasites, affecting a variety of animals, including humans and wildlife, with serious implications for public health. In Pakistan, CE continues to pose a considerable public health challenge, impacting the livestock sector and wildlife conservation due to its economic and socio-cultural ramifications. This study aimed to examine the frequency of lesions indicative of Echinococcus cysts in livestock across several slaughterhouses in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), with the data collection occurring from May 2022 to February 2024. A total of 1120 animals, including 455 buffaloes, 295 cows, 200 sheep, and 170 goats, were assessed. The overall CE prevalence was found to be 5.7% (95% CI: 4.3–7.0%; 63 out of 1120), with the highest frequency in buffaloes (6.6%; 95% CI: 4.3–8.9%) and the lowest in goats (2.9%; 95% CI: 0.4–5.5%). Female animals demonstrated a higher infection rate (6.3%; 95% CI: 4.4–8.1%) compared to males (4.7%; 95% CI: 2.8–6.7%), with the liver being the most frequently affected organ (55.0%; 95% CI: 41.7–66.3%). Additionally, a survey of 200 respondents revealed that 74.5% of farmers were unaware of CE, and only 14.5% were taking preventive measures against parasites. These findings suggest a potential decline in the prevalence of this parasitic disease, likely due to advancements in veterinary services and modern farming practices. Full article