Echinococcus multilocularis in animal hosts: new data from western Europe

As recently as 1990, the geographical range of E. multilocularis in Europe was thought to be largely restricted to eastern France, southern Germany an d parts of Switzerland and Austria. Within the previous decade, however, th e parasite in western Europe was recorded in animal hosts (mainly foxes) fr om almost all of Germany, Belgium and the Netherlands. It is on debate whet her or not this reflects an extension of the parasite's range, or whether i ts presence in these areas remained previously undetected. In parts of the 'classical' endemicity areas, definite epidemiological changes have recentl y taken place. While fox population densities have increased drastically, t his was in some areas accompanied by an increase of E. multilocularis preva lence rates, resulting in a much higher contamination of the environment wi th infectious eggs. In addition, foxes have now established large populatio ns in settled areas and cities which may cause an increasing infection risk for the human population. The current situation is reviewed, and data are presented on infection rates of: various host species in the western part o f Europe.