Predictors of Echinococcus multilocularis Prevalence in Definitive and Intermediate Hosts: A Meta-Analysis Approach.
Echinococcus multilocularis (EM) is a pathogenic and potentially fatal cestode causing human alveolar echinococcosis (AE). A meta-analysis was conducted using a generalized estimation equation approach (GEE) to assess the effect of taxonomic, environmental, and diagnostic variables on EM prevalence in different hosts. Red foxes ( Vulpes vulpes ) had significantly higher prevalence of EM than domestic dogs ( Canis lupus familiaris), with the diagnostic method playing an important factor in assessing prevalence. For intermediate hosts genera was significantly associated with EM prevalence, although there was some indication of publication bias in this dataset. This study also highlights the possible importance of temperature and precipitation to EM transmission. This implies the possibility of a changing climate affecting the future distribution of the parasite.
Department of Plant and Environmental Science, University of Copenhagen, Thorvaldsenvej 40, 1871 Frederiksberg C, Denmark.
Nao
N
Takeuchi-Storm
Department of Plant and Environmental Science, University of Copenhagen, Thorvaldsenvej 40, 1871 Frederiksberg C, Denmark.
Ian David
ID
Woolsey
Department of Plant and Environmental Science, University of Copenhagen, Thorvaldsenvej 40, 1871 Frederiksberg C, Denmark.
Per Moestrup
PM
Jensen
Department of Plant and Environmental Science, University of Copenhagen, Thorvaldsenvej 40, 1871 Frederiksberg C, Denmark.
Brian Lund
BL
Fredensborg
Department of Plant and Environmental Science, University of Copenhagen, Thorvaldsenvej 40, 1871 Frederiksberg C, Denmark.
Christian Bressen
CB
Pipper
Department of Plant and Environmental Science, University of Copenhagen, Thorvaldsenvej 40, 1871 Frederiksberg C, Denmark.
Christian Moliin Outzen
CM
Kapel
D000818:Animals; D003411:Arvicolinae / Q000469:parasitology; D004285:Dogs; D004443:Echinococcosis / Q000453:epidemiology*; D048210:Echinococcus multilocularis / Q000254:growth & development; D005589:Foxes / Q000469:parasitology; D006801:Humans; D008018:Life Cycle Stages; D012307:Risk Factors