Prevention of alveolar echinococcosis--ecosystem and risk management perspectives in Japan.
We focused on the epidemiology of alveolar echinococcosis especially in Japan and discussed control measures to prevent an epidemic. No effective control measures against alveolar echinococcosis have been identified thus far because it is difficult to fully understand the ecology of the parasite and its hosts, i.e. the precise infection route to humans. In Hokkaido, Japan, infection rates among red foxes have recently risen even in low endemic districts. Infection seems to be spreading not only among wild foxes but also among domestic dogs. Despite only sporadic reports of human cases in Japan, we predict that the incidence of alveolar echinococcosis will increase in the near future if no effective preventive measures are put in place. An Echinococcus multilocularis epidemic would have the potential to affect the economy of Hokkaido, due to its impact on the agricultural and tourist industries. Well-designed epidemiological surveys are, therefore, urgently required prior to large outbreaks, based on understanding of the ecosystem around E. multilocularis.
Konno
Keita
K
Department of Health for Senior Citizens, Division of Preventive Medicine, Social Medicine Cluster, Graduate School of Medicine, Hokkaido University, Kita 15, Nishi 7, Kita-ku, Sapporo 060-8638, Japan.
Oku
Yuzaburo
Y
Tamashiro
Hiko
H
D000818:Animals; D002415:Cats; D004196:Disease Outbreaks / Q000517:prevention & control*; D004285:Dogs; D004445:Echinococcosis, Pulmonary / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D004446:Echinococcus / Q000254:growth & development; D017753:Ecosystem; D005589:Foxes; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D007564:Japan / Q000453:epidemiology