PUBLIC-HEALTH ASPECTS OF CYSTIC ECHINOCOCCOSIS IN THE ARAB COUNTRIES

Human cystic echinococcosis (CE) caused by larval Echinococcus granulo sus is a zoonosis of major public health importance throughout the reg ion comprising Arab North Africa and the Middle East. Prevalence rates are determined by epizootiological factors related to the size of str ay dog population and its worm burden and to the infection rates in th e intermediate host reservoir livestock population. Socio-economic dev elopment and socio-cultural practices are considered important determi nants in the continued transmission of the disease. The reasons why CE remains a significant public health problem in the region are summari zed. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science B.V.