Echinococcosis in Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, northwest China.
Cystic echinococcosis (CE), caused by Echinococcus granulosus, and alveolar echinococcosis (AE), due to E. multilocularis, are endemic to large areas of north and northwest China. Here we review features of a severe focus of AE and CE in Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region (NHAR), northwest China. We describe for NHAR the results of surveys of hospital surgical and clinical records, including treatment of AE and CE, and active community detection of asymptomatic/early-stage cases and patient follow-up using questionnaire analysis, ultrasound examinations and serology. We compare the key risk factors for both AE and CE in this setting with those reported from other areas. In addition, we document the socio-economic factors impacting on treatment and control of AE and CE. This update indicates that echinococcosis continues to be highly endemic in NHAR and exemplifies the serious public health problem that the disease presents, particularly in poor rural areas. Extensive community surveys of echinococcosis are required throughout northwest China, especially in rural communities. These will enable earlier detection of echinococcosis cases, thereby improving treatment outcomes, and reveal the true epidemiological picture regarding the disease in this region, with a view to developing and implementing new strategies for future control.
Yang
Yu Rong
YR
Ningxia Medical College, Yinchuan, 750004, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, The Peoples' Republic of China.
Craig
Philip S
PS
Sun
Tao
T
Vuitton
Dominique A
DA
Giraudoux
Patrick
P
Jones
Malcolm K
MK
Williams
Gail M
GM
McManus
Donald P
DP
D000818:Animals; D002681:China / Q000453:epidemiology; D004443:Echinococcosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000453:epidemiology*; D004445:Echinococcosis, Pulmonary / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000453:epidemiology; D048209:Echinococcus granulosus; D048210:Echinococcus multilocularis; D004812:Epidemiologic Methods; D005192:Family Health; D006801:Humans; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D014463:Ultrasonography