Review on: Hydatidosis, Its Epidemiology and Economic Importance in Ethiopia

Abstract

Echinococcosis/hydatid disease is one of the most important of the helminth zoonoses and remains a significant problem worldwide. Hydatidosis is a globally distributed zoonotic parasitic disease, caused by larval stages of Echinococcus granulosus, which primarily maintained through domestic and sylvatic life cycle that perpetuates the disease and creates obstacles for control and eradication programs. This review highlights on the epidemiology, pathogenesis, diagnosis, control and prevention of hydatidosis and its public health and economic impact. The life cycle is complex, involving two hosts and a free-living egg stage. Hydatidosis causes considerable economic loss due to condemnation of edible organs, decreased meat and milk productions, reduced hide and fleece value and decrease in fecundity. Research findings from abattoir surveys conducted in Ethiopia have been also reviewed, which revealed the prevalence of cystic bovine hydatidosis, ranging from 6.51% (Debre-brhan) to 62.38% (Assela) and annual economic loss ranging from 8,798.50 (Arsi) to 19,847,704.00 (Addis Ababa Abattoir Enterprise) Ethiopian Birr. In the intermediate host, diagnosing hydatidosis is possible through scanning, radiology, serology and postmortem examination. Unfortunately, surgery is the treatment of choice at present, but several of the benzimidazole compounds have been shown to have efficacy against the hydatid cyst in the intermediate host. Therefore, Echinococcosis can be controlled through dosing dogs, inspecting meat and educating the public on the risk to humans and on avoiding feeding offal to dogs, as well as introducing legislation.