Public health aspects of cystic echinococcosis in the Arab countries

Human cystic echinococcosis (CE) caused by larval Echinococcus granulosus is a zoonosis of major public health importance throughout the region comprising Arab North Africa and the Middle East. Prevalence rates are determined by epizootiological factors related to the size of stray dog population and its worm burden and to the infection rates in the intermediate host reservoir livestock population. Socio-economic development and socio-cultural practices are considered important determinants in the continued transmission of the disease. The reasonswhy CE remains a significant public health problem in the region are summarized.