BackgroundIn the normal life cycle of the parasite(Echinococcus multilocularis)that causes alveolar echinococcosis,domestic and wild carnivores act as definitive hosts,and rodents act as intermediate hosts.The present...BackgroundIn the normal life cycle of the parasite(Echinococcus multilocularis)that causes alveolar echinococcosis,domestic and wild carnivores act as definitive hosts,and rodents act as intermediate hosts.The presented study contributes to the research on the distribution and transmission pattern of E.multilocularis in China having identified sheep as an unusual intermediate host taking part in the domestic transmission of alveolar echinococcosis in Gansu Province,China.MethodsFrom 2020 to 2021,nine whitish different cyst-like were collected from the liver of sheep in Gansu Province for examination.A near complete mitochondrial(mt)genome and selected nuclear genes were amplified from the cyst-like lesion for identification.To confirm the status of the specimen,comparative analysis with reference sequences,phylogenetic analysis,and network analysis were performed.ResultsThe isolates displayed≥98.87%similarity to E.multilocularis NADH dehydrogenase sub-unit 1(nad1)(894 bp)reference sequences deposited in GenBank.Furthermore,amplification of the nad4 and nad2 genes also confirmed all nine samples as E.multilocularis with>99.30%similarity.Additionally,three nuclear genes,pepck(1545 bp),elp-exons VII and VIII(566 bp),and elp-exon IX(256 bp),were successfully amplified and sequenced for one of the isolates with 98.42%similarity,confirming the isolates were correctly identified as E.multilocularis.Network analysis also correctly placed the isolates with other E.multilocularis.ConclusionsAs a result of the discovery of E.multilocularis in an unusual intermediate host,which is considered to have the highest zoonotic potential,the result clearly demonstrated the necessity for expanded surveillance in the area.展开更多
Background:Echinococcosis caused byEchinococcus is one of the most major infectious diseases in north-west highland of China.E.granulosus sensu strict,E.multilocularis,andE.canadensis are known to be the only three sp...Background:Echinococcosis caused byEchinococcus is one of the most major infectious diseases in north-west highland of China.E.granulosus sensu strict,E.multilocularis,andE.canadensis are known to be the only three species related to human health transmitting in the areas.To achieve targeted treatment and control of echinococcosis,the accurate identification and discrimination of the species are important.However,currently the available diagnostic approaches do not present ideal results either in accuracy or efficiency.Methods:In the study,a set of primers were designed to aim at the three human-pathogenicEchinococcus species in China.The one-step multiplex PCR assay was developed and evaluated for the specificity and sensitivity.A total of 73parasitic lesions and 41 fecal materials obtained from human and various animals collected in the clinic and the field were tested to assess the applicability of this method.Results:The multiplex PCR effectively detected the individual DNA from the targeted species and their random mixtures generating with distinguishable expected size of products.The detection limit of the assay for each of the three species was 5 pg/μl when they were tested separately.When DNA mixtures of the targeted species containing the same concentration were used as templates,the lowest amount of DNA which can be detected was 50 pg/μl,10 pg/μl and 5 pg/μl forE.granulosus s.s.,E.multilocularis,andE.canadensis respectively.No cross-reactivity was observed when DNA from eight genetically close species was used as control templates.The multiplex PCR identifications of all samples were in line with the original sequencing results except for those infected withE.shiquicus,which showed negative signals in the developed assay.Of all the tested stool materials,16 were previously found positive forEchinococcus by visual and microscopic examination.Among these 16 samples,13 were confirmed by the multiplex PCR,and the other three tested negative.Additionally,the multiplex PCR identified another 14 positive feces from the remained 25 stool samples which absence of worms.Conclusions:The developed multiplex PCR shows advantages in fast diagnosis and large-scale epidemiological investigation,which proven to be a promising tool utilized in clinic and surveillance system.展开更多
Background:Echinococcus multilocularis causes alveolar echinococcosis(AE)and is widely prevalent in Qinghai Province,China,where a number of different species have been identified as hosts.However,limited information ...Background:Echinococcus multilocularis causes alveolar echinococcosis(AE)and is widely prevalent in Qinghai Province,China,where a number of different species have been identified as hosts.However,limited information is available on the Qinghai vole(Lasiopodomys fuscus),which is hyper endemic to Qinghai Province and may represent a potential intermediate host of E.multilocularis.Thus,L.fuscus could contribute to the endemicity of AE in the area.Methods:Fifty Qinghai voles were captured from Jigzhi County in Qinghai Province for the clinical identification of E.multilocularis infection via anatomical examination.Hydatid fluid was collected from vesicles of the livers in suspected voles and subjected to a microscopic examination and PCR assay based on the barcoding gene of cox 1.PCR-amplified segments were sequenced for a phylogenetic analysis.E.multilocularis-infected Qinghai voles were morphologically identified and subjected to a phylogenetic analysis to confirm their identities.Results:Seventeen of the 50 Qinghai voles had E.multilocularis-infection-like vesicles in their livers.Eleven out of the 17 Qinghai voles presented E.multilocularis infection,which was detected by PCR and sequencing.The phylogenetic analysis showed that all 11 positive samples belonged to the E.multilocularis Asian genotype.A morphological identification and phylogenetic analysis of the E.multilocularis-infected Qinghai voles confirmed that all captured animals were L.fuscus.Conclusions:L.fuscus can be infected with E.multilocularis and plays a potential role in the life cycle and epidemiology of E.multilocularis in the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau of China.展开更多
BACKGROUND When Echinococcus multilocularis infects humans as a false intermediate host,alveolar echinococcosis(AE)usually manifests primarily intrahepatically and is initially asymptomatic.If the disease remains undi...BACKGROUND When Echinococcus multilocularis infects humans as a false intermediate host,alveolar echinococcosis(AE)usually manifests primarily intrahepatically and is initially asymptomatic.If the disease remains undiagnosed and untreated,progressive growth occurs,reminiscent of malignant tumours.The only curative therapy is complete resection,which is limited to localised stages,and palliative drug therapy is used otherwise.Consequently,early diagnosis and reliable detection of AE lesions are important.For this reason,abdominal ultrasonography,as the most common primary imaging for AE,relies on classification systems.AIM To investigate how hepatic AE lesion sonomorphology changes over time in the Echinococcosis Multilocularis Ulm Classification(EMUC)-ultrasound(US)classification.METHODS Based on data from Germany’s national echinococcosis database,we evaluated clinical and US imaging data for 59 patients according to the AE case definition in our preliminary retrospective longitudinal study.There had to be at least two liver sonographies≥6 mo apart,≥1 hepatic AE lesion,and complete documentation in all US examinations.The minimum interval between two separately evaluated US examinations was 4 wk.The AE reference lesion was the largest hepatic AE lesion at the time of the first US examination.To classify the sonomorphologic pattern,we used EMUC-US.In addition to classifying the findings of the original US examiner,all reference lesions at each examination time point were assigned EMUC-US patterns in a blinded fashion by two investigators experienced in US diagnosis.Statistical analysis was performed using SAS version 9.4(SAS Institute Inc.,Cary,NC,United Stated).P values<0.05 were considered statistically significant.RESULTS The preliminary study included 59 patients,38(64.5%)women and 21(35.6%)men.The mean age at initial diagnosis was 59.9±16.9 years.At the time of initial ultrasonography,a hailstorm pattern was present in 42.4%(25/59)of cases,a hemangioma-like pattern in 16.9%(10/59),a pseudocystic pattern in 15.3%(9/59),and a metastasis-like pattern in 25.4%(15/59).For the hailstorm pattern,the average lesion size was 67.4±26.3 mm.The average lesion size was 113.7±40.8 mm with the pseudocystic pattern and 83.5±27.3 mm with the hemangioma-like pattern.An average lesion size of 21.7±11.0 mm was determined for the metastasis-like pattern.Although the sonomorphologic pattern remained unchanged in 84.7%(50/59)of AE reference lesions,15.3%(9/59)showed a change over time.A change in pattern was seen exclusively for AE lesions initially classified as hemangioma-like or pseudocystic.A total of 70%(7/10)of AE lesions initially classified as hemangioma-like showed a relevant change in pattern over time,and 85.7%(6/7)of these were secondarily classified as having a hailstorm pattern,with the remainder(1/7;14.3%)classified as having a pseudocystic pattern.A total of 22.2%(2/9)of AE lesions initially classified as pseudocystic showed a relevant change in pattern over time and were classified as having a hailstorm pattern.For AE lesions initially classified as having a hailstorm or metastatic pattern,no pattern change was evident.All patients with pattern change were on continuous drug therapy with albendazole.CONCLUSION The sonomorphology of hepatic AE lesions may change over time.The hemangioma-like and pseudocystic patterns are affected.展开更多
BACKGROUND The main endemic areas of alveolar echinococcosis(AE)are in Central Europe and Western China.Both the infiltration of intrahepatic vascular and bile duct structures as well as extrahepatic disease can lead ...BACKGROUND The main endemic areas of alveolar echinococcosis(AE)are in Central Europe and Western China.Both the infiltration of intrahepatic vascular and bile duct structures as well as extrahepatic disease can lead to further complications and may increase morbidity in patients with AE.AIM To evaluate vascular/biliary involvement in hepatic AE and its distant extrahepatic disease manifestations in an international collective was the aim.METHODS Consecutively,five experienced examiners evaluated contrast-enhanced abdominal computed tomography(CT)scans for 200 patients with hepatic AE of each of four locations(n=50)in Germany,France and China.Therefore,we retrospectively included the 50 most recent abdominal contrast-enhanced CT examinations at each center,performed because of hepatic AE from September 21,2007 to March 21,2018.AE liver lesions were classified according to the echinococcosis multilocularis Ulm classification for CT(EMUC-CT).Distant extrahepatic manifestations were documented either by whole body positron emission tomography–CT or with the addition of thoracic CT and cranial magnetic resonance imaging.Vascular/biliary involvement of the hepatic disease as well as the presence of distant extrahepatic manifestations were correlated with the EMUC-CT types of liver lesion.Statistical analysis was performed using SAS Version 9.4(SAS Institute Inc.,Cary,NC,United States).RESULTS Distant extrahepatic AE manifestations were significantly more frequent in China than in Europe(P=0.0091).A significant relationship was found between the presence of distant extrahepatic disease and AE liver lesion size(P=0.0075).Vascular/biliary structures were involved by the liver lesions significantly more frequently in China than in Europe(P<0.0001),and vascular/biliary involvement depended on lesion size.Different morphological types of AE liver lesions led to varying frequencies of vascular/biliary involvement and were associated with different frequencies of distant extrahepatic manifestations:Vascular/biliary involvement as a function of lesions primary morphology ranged from 5.88%of type IV liver lesions to 100%among type III lesions.Type IV differed significantly in these associations from types I,II,and III(P<0.0001).With respect to extrahepatic disease,the primary morphology types IV and V of liver lesions were not associated with any case of distant extrahepatic disease.In contrast,distant extrahepatic manifestations in types I–III were found to varying degrees,with a maximum of 22%for type III.CONCLUSION Different CT morphological patterns of hepatic AE lesions influence vascular/biliary involvement and the occurrence of distant extrahepatic manifestations.There are intercontinental differences regarding the characteristics of AE manifestation.展开更多
Background:Cystic echinococcosis(CE)and alveolar echinococcosis(AE)are highly endemic in Xiji County of Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region(NHAR)in China where the control campaign based on dog de-worming with praziquantel ...Background:Cystic echinococcosis(CE)and alveolar echinococcosis(AE)are highly endemic in Xiji County of Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region(NHAR)in China where the control campaign based on dog de-worming with praziquantel has been undertaken over preceding decades.This study is to determine the current prevalence of Echinococcus granulosus and E.multilocularis in domestic dogs and monitor the echinococcosis transmission dynamics.Methods:Study villages were selected using landscape patterns(Geographic Information System,GIS)for Echinococcus transmission“hot spots”,combined with hospital records identifying risk areas for AE and CE.A survey of 750 domestic dogs,including copro-sampling and owner questionnaires,from 25 selected villages,was undertaken in 2012.A copro-multiplex PCR assay was used for the specific diagnosis of E.granulosus and E.multilocularis in the dogs.Data analysis,using IBM SPSS Statistics,was undertaken,to compare the prevalence of the two Echinococcus spp.in dogs between four geographical areas of Xiji by theχ^(2)test.Univariate analysis of the combinations of outcomes from the questionnaire and copro-PCR assay data was carried out to determine the significant risk factors for dog infection.Results:The highest de-worming rate of 84.0%was found in the northwest area of Xiji County,and significant differences(P<0.05)in the de-worming rates among dogs from the four geographical areas of Xiji were detected.The highest prevalence(19.7%,59/300)of E.multilocularis occurred in northwest Xiji,though the highest prevalence(18.1%,38/210)of E.granulosus occurred in southwest Xiji.There was no significant difference(P>0.05)in the prevalence of E.granulosus in dogs from the northwest,southwest,northeast,and southeast of Xiji,but there were significant differences(P<0.05)between dogs infected with E.multilocularis from the four areas.None of the other independent variables was statistically significant.Conclusions:The results from this study indicate a high prevalence of both E.granulosus and E.muiltilocularis in dogs in Xiji County,NHAR.Transmission of E.multilocularis was more impacted by geographical risk-factors in Xiji County than that of E.granulosus.Dogs have the potential to maintain the transmission of both species of Echinococcus within local Xiji communities,and the current praziquantel dosing of dogs appears to be ineffective or poorly implemented in this area.展开更多
文摘BackgroundIn the normal life cycle of the parasite(Echinococcus multilocularis)that causes alveolar echinococcosis,domestic and wild carnivores act as definitive hosts,and rodents act as intermediate hosts.The presented study contributes to the research on the distribution and transmission pattern of E.multilocularis in China having identified sheep as an unusual intermediate host taking part in the domestic transmission of alveolar echinococcosis in Gansu Province,China.MethodsFrom 2020 to 2021,nine whitish different cyst-like were collected from the liver of sheep in Gansu Province for examination.A near complete mitochondrial(mt)genome and selected nuclear genes were amplified from the cyst-like lesion for identification.To confirm the status of the specimen,comparative analysis with reference sequences,phylogenetic analysis,and network analysis were performed.ResultsThe isolates displayed≥98.87%similarity to E.multilocularis NADH dehydrogenase sub-unit 1(nad1)(894 bp)reference sequences deposited in GenBank.Furthermore,amplification of the nad4 and nad2 genes also confirmed all nine samples as E.multilocularis with>99.30%similarity.Additionally,three nuclear genes,pepck(1545 bp),elp-exons VII and VIII(566 bp),and elp-exon IX(256 bp),were successfully amplified and sequenced for one of the isolates with 98.42%similarity,confirming the isolates were correctly identified as E.multilocularis.Network analysis also correctly placed the isolates with other E.multilocularis.ConclusionsAs a result of the discovery of E.multilocularis in an unusual intermediate host,which is considered to have the highest zoonotic potential,the result clearly demonstrated the necessity for expanded surveillance in the area.
基金the Scientific Research Project of Health and Family Planning Commission of Sichuan Province(No.17PJ440).
文摘Background:Echinococcosis caused byEchinococcus is one of the most major infectious diseases in north-west highland of China.E.granulosus sensu strict,E.multilocularis,andE.canadensis are known to be the only three species related to human health transmitting in the areas.To achieve targeted treatment and control of echinococcosis,the accurate identification and discrimination of the species are important.However,currently the available diagnostic approaches do not present ideal results either in accuracy or efficiency.Methods:In the study,a set of primers were designed to aim at the three human-pathogenicEchinococcus species in China.The one-step multiplex PCR assay was developed and evaluated for the specificity and sensitivity.A total of 73parasitic lesions and 41 fecal materials obtained from human and various animals collected in the clinic and the field were tested to assess the applicability of this method.Results:The multiplex PCR effectively detected the individual DNA from the targeted species and their random mixtures generating with distinguishable expected size of products.The detection limit of the assay for each of the three species was 5 pg/μl when they were tested separately.When DNA mixtures of the targeted species containing the same concentration were used as templates,the lowest amount of DNA which can be detected was 50 pg/μl,10 pg/μl and 5 pg/μl forE.granulosus s.s.,E.multilocularis,andE.canadensis respectively.No cross-reactivity was observed when DNA from eight genetically close species was used as control templates.The multiplex PCR identifications of all samples were in line with the original sequencing results except for those infected withE.shiquicus,which showed negative signals in the developed assay.Of all the tested stool materials,16 were previously found positive forEchinococcus by visual and microscopic examination.Among these 16 samples,13 were confirmed by the multiplex PCR,and the other three tested negative.Additionally,the multiplex PCR identified another 14 positive feces from the remained 25 stool samples which absence of worms.Conclusions:The developed multiplex PCR shows advantages in fast diagnosis and large-scale epidemiological investigation,which proven to be a promising tool utilized in clinic and surveillance system.
基金Our research was supported by the“Basic Research Project of the Qinghai Science and Technology Department”(2016-ZJ-791)the“International Cooperation Project of the Qinghai Science and Technology Department”(2015-HZ-809).
文摘Background:Echinococcus multilocularis causes alveolar echinococcosis(AE)and is widely prevalent in Qinghai Province,China,where a number of different species have been identified as hosts.However,limited information is available on the Qinghai vole(Lasiopodomys fuscus),which is hyper endemic to Qinghai Province and may represent a potential intermediate host of E.multilocularis.Thus,L.fuscus could contribute to the endemicity of AE in the area.Methods:Fifty Qinghai voles were captured from Jigzhi County in Qinghai Province for the clinical identification of E.multilocularis infection via anatomical examination.Hydatid fluid was collected from vesicles of the livers in suspected voles and subjected to a microscopic examination and PCR assay based on the barcoding gene of cox 1.PCR-amplified segments were sequenced for a phylogenetic analysis.E.multilocularis-infected Qinghai voles were morphologically identified and subjected to a phylogenetic analysis to confirm their identities.Results:Seventeen of the 50 Qinghai voles had E.multilocularis-infection-like vesicles in their livers.Eleven out of the 17 Qinghai voles presented E.multilocularis infection,which was detected by PCR and sequencing.The phylogenetic analysis showed that all 11 positive samples belonged to the E.multilocularis Asian genotype.A morphological identification and phylogenetic analysis of the E.multilocularis-infected Qinghai voles confirmed that all captured animals were L.fuscus.Conclusions:L.fuscus can be infected with E.multilocularis and plays a potential role in the life cycle and epidemiology of E.multilocularis in the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau of China.
文摘BACKGROUND When Echinococcus multilocularis infects humans as a false intermediate host,alveolar echinococcosis(AE)usually manifests primarily intrahepatically and is initially asymptomatic.If the disease remains undiagnosed and untreated,progressive growth occurs,reminiscent of malignant tumours.The only curative therapy is complete resection,which is limited to localised stages,and palliative drug therapy is used otherwise.Consequently,early diagnosis and reliable detection of AE lesions are important.For this reason,abdominal ultrasonography,as the most common primary imaging for AE,relies on classification systems.AIM To investigate how hepatic AE lesion sonomorphology changes over time in the Echinococcosis Multilocularis Ulm Classification(EMUC)-ultrasound(US)classification.METHODS Based on data from Germany’s national echinococcosis database,we evaluated clinical and US imaging data for 59 patients according to the AE case definition in our preliminary retrospective longitudinal study.There had to be at least two liver sonographies≥6 mo apart,≥1 hepatic AE lesion,and complete documentation in all US examinations.The minimum interval between two separately evaluated US examinations was 4 wk.The AE reference lesion was the largest hepatic AE lesion at the time of the first US examination.To classify the sonomorphologic pattern,we used EMUC-US.In addition to classifying the findings of the original US examiner,all reference lesions at each examination time point were assigned EMUC-US patterns in a blinded fashion by two investigators experienced in US diagnosis.Statistical analysis was performed using SAS version 9.4(SAS Institute Inc.,Cary,NC,United Stated).P values<0.05 were considered statistically significant.RESULTS The preliminary study included 59 patients,38(64.5%)women and 21(35.6%)men.The mean age at initial diagnosis was 59.9±16.9 years.At the time of initial ultrasonography,a hailstorm pattern was present in 42.4%(25/59)of cases,a hemangioma-like pattern in 16.9%(10/59),a pseudocystic pattern in 15.3%(9/59),and a metastasis-like pattern in 25.4%(15/59).For the hailstorm pattern,the average lesion size was 67.4±26.3 mm.The average lesion size was 113.7±40.8 mm with the pseudocystic pattern and 83.5±27.3 mm with the hemangioma-like pattern.An average lesion size of 21.7±11.0 mm was determined for the metastasis-like pattern.Although the sonomorphologic pattern remained unchanged in 84.7%(50/59)of AE reference lesions,15.3%(9/59)showed a change over time.A change in pattern was seen exclusively for AE lesions initially classified as hemangioma-like or pseudocystic.A total of 70%(7/10)of AE lesions initially classified as hemangioma-like showed a relevant change in pattern over time,and 85.7%(6/7)of these were secondarily classified as having a hailstorm pattern,with the remainder(1/7;14.3%)classified as having a pseudocystic pattern.A total of 22.2%(2/9)of AE lesions initially classified as pseudocystic showed a relevant change in pattern over time and were classified as having a hailstorm pattern.For AE lesions initially classified as having a hailstorm or metastatic pattern,no pattern change was evident.All patients with pattern change were on continuous drug therapy with albendazole.CONCLUSION The sonomorphology of hepatic AE lesions may change over time.The hemangioma-like and pseudocystic patterns are affected.
基金Supported by a German Research Foundation funded project called“Establishment of a national database for alveolar echinococcosis”,No.KA 4356/3-1“Implementation of interfaces for the standardization of nationaldatabase systems for alveolar echinococcosis and its transformation processes”,No.KR 5204/1-2+1 种基金Multiple imaging study of the Hepatic Alveolar Echinococcosis after albendazole treatment,the Qinghai Science and Technology Department,No.2017-SF-158and the Müller Holding Ltd.and Co.KG Ulm.
文摘BACKGROUND The main endemic areas of alveolar echinococcosis(AE)are in Central Europe and Western China.Both the infiltration of intrahepatic vascular and bile duct structures as well as extrahepatic disease can lead to further complications and may increase morbidity in patients with AE.AIM To evaluate vascular/biliary involvement in hepatic AE and its distant extrahepatic disease manifestations in an international collective was the aim.METHODS Consecutively,five experienced examiners evaluated contrast-enhanced abdominal computed tomography(CT)scans for 200 patients with hepatic AE of each of four locations(n=50)in Germany,France and China.Therefore,we retrospectively included the 50 most recent abdominal contrast-enhanced CT examinations at each center,performed because of hepatic AE from September 21,2007 to March 21,2018.AE liver lesions were classified according to the echinococcosis multilocularis Ulm classification for CT(EMUC-CT).Distant extrahepatic manifestations were documented either by whole body positron emission tomography–CT or with the addition of thoracic CT and cranial magnetic resonance imaging.Vascular/biliary involvement of the hepatic disease as well as the presence of distant extrahepatic manifestations were correlated with the EMUC-CT types of liver lesion.Statistical analysis was performed using SAS Version 9.4(SAS Institute Inc.,Cary,NC,United States).RESULTS Distant extrahepatic AE manifestations were significantly more frequent in China than in Europe(P=0.0091).A significant relationship was found between the presence of distant extrahepatic disease and AE liver lesion size(P=0.0075).Vascular/biliary structures were involved by the liver lesions significantly more frequently in China than in Europe(P<0.0001),and vascular/biliary involvement depended on lesion size.Different morphological types of AE liver lesions led to varying frequencies of vascular/biliary involvement and were associated with different frequencies of distant extrahepatic manifestations:Vascular/biliary involvement as a function of lesions primary morphology ranged from 5.88%of type IV liver lesions to 100%among type III lesions.Type IV differed significantly in these associations from types I,II,and III(P<0.0001).With respect to extrahepatic disease,the primary morphology types IV and V of liver lesions were not associated with any case of distant extrahepatic disease.In contrast,distant extrahepatic manifestations in types I–III were found to varying degrees,with a maximum of 22%for type III.CONCLUSION Different CT morphological patterns of hepatic AE lesions influence vascular/biliary involvement and the occurrence of distant extrahepatic manifestations.There are intercontinental differences regarding the characteristics of AE manifestation.
基金This study was funded by the Science Fund for Gansu Provincial Key Science and Technology Projects(No.1203NKDA039)Special Fund for Agro-scientific Research in the Public Interest(No.200903036–07,201303037)+3 种基金West China Top Class Discipline Project in Basic Medical Sciences,Ningxia Medical UniversityThe National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.3096033981460311)the Australian National Health and Medical Research Council(NHMRC)(project grant No.APP 1009539).
文摘Background:Cystic echinococcosis(CE)and alveolar echinococcosis(AE)are highly endemic in Xiji County of Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region(NHAR)in China where the control campaign based on dog de-worming with praziquantel has been undertaken over preceding decades.This study is to determine the current prevalence of Echinococcus granulosus and E.multilocularis in domestic dogs and monitor the echinococcosis transmission dynamics.Methods:Study villages were selected using landscape patterns(Geographic Information System,GIS)for Echinococcus transmission“hot spots”,combined with hospital records identifying risk areas for AE and CE.A survey of 750 domestic dogs,including copro-sampling and owner questionnaires,from 25 selected villages,was undertaken in 2012.A copro-multiplex PCR assay was used for the specific diagnosis of E.granulosus and E.multilocularis in the dogs.Data analysis,using IBM SPSS Statistics,was undertaken,to compare the prevalence of the two Echinococcus spp.in dogs between four geographical areas of Xiji by theχ^(2)test.Univariate analysis of the combinations of outcomes from the questionnaire and copro-PCR assay data was carried out to determine the significant risk factors for dog infection.Results:The highest de-worming rate of 84.0%was found in the northwest area of Xiji County,and significant differences(P<0.05)in the de-worming rates among dogs from the four geographical areas of Xiji were detected.The highest prevalence(19.7%,59/300)of E.multilocularis occurred in northwest Xiji,though the highest prevalence(18.1%,38/210)of E.granulosus occurred in southwest Xiji.There was no significant difference(P>0.05)in the prevalence of E.granulosus in dogs from the northwest,southwest,northeast,and southeast of Xiji,but there were significant differences(P<0.05)between dogs infected with E.multilocularis from the four areas.None of the other independent variables was statistically significant.Conclusions:The results from this study indicate a high prevalence of both E.granulosus and E.muiltilocularis in dogs in Xiji County,NHAR.Transmission of E.multilocularis was more impacted by geographical risk-factors in Xiji County than that of E.granulosus.Dogs have the potential to maintain the transmission of both species of Echinococcus within local Xiji communities,and the current praziquantel dosing of dogs appears to be ineffective or poorly implemented in this area.
