Present Situation of Cystic Echinococcosis in Africa: A Narrative Review
Abstract
Cystic echinococcosis (CE) caused by the parasite Echinococcus granulosus is a zoonotic disease of global concern. Because most African countries have not yet conducted systematic studies on CE, it is difficult to determine its exact status. However, as with any parasitic zoonotic disease, the first step in developing a comprehensive management and control strategy is to identify the host range, transmission risk factors, and national and regional epidemiological data. This review evaluated and summarized articles on CE retrieved from the PubMed and Africa Journal Online (AJOL) databases. Inclusion criteria were studies (including case reports) focused on the prevalence of CE in animals and humans between 1970 and 2025. This review revealed that although numerous early studies on CE exist, only a few were conducted in Africa from 1970 to 2025. Furthermore, data regarding population genetic composition and the role of wildlife in CE transmission remain scarce. This review systematically evaluated the prevalence and transmission of CE in Africa and identified priority areas for surveillance and control.
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