Human alveolar echinococcosis and cystic echinococcosis in Austria: The recent epidemiological situation

Both alveolar echinococcosis (AE) and cystic (CE) echinococcosis are preval ent and autochthonous in Austria. Based on historical facts, clinical, hist opathological, serological and epidemiological data obtained during the las t 15 years, the recent epidemiological situation of both forms of echinococ cosis in Austria are described. In total, 38 AE and 519 CE cases have been registered between 1985 and 1999 , reflecting an annual incidence of 2.5 acid 34.6, respectively. 37 AE (97. 4 %) and 222 CE (42.8 %) patients were of Austrian origin, 1 AE patient and 297 (57.2 %) CE patients were of non-Austrian origin. The endemic areas of AE are situated in the western provinces (Vorarlberg, Tyrol), but one focus could also be detected in the north eastern province Lower Austria; most Austrian CE patients are residents of the eastern provi nces Burgenland, Lower Austria and Styria.