When wildlife comes to town: interaction of sylvatic and domestic host animals in transmission of Echinococcus spp. in Namibia.

The present study was conducted in the isolated desert town of Oranjemund in the far south of Namibia. It is an extremely arid region where no livestock husbandry is practiced and only animals adapted to the desert can be found. However, in and around the city, artificial irrigation maintains lush green patches of grass that attract wild animals, in particular oryx antelopes (Oryx gazella). In 2015 four oryx antelopes were euthanised due to poor conditions and a post-mortem examination was conducted. Two were found positive for cystic echinococcosis and 16 cysts were collected for molecular analyses. In addition, faecal samples from black-backed jackals (n=5) and domestic dogs (n=9), which were regularly observed to feed on oryx carcasses, were collected and taeniid eggs isolated. Parasite species identification of the cysts and eggs was done by amplifying and sequencing the mitochondrial nad1 gene. Both oryx antelopes were found infected with E. ortleppi and one co-infected with E. canadensis G6/7. Both Echinococcus species were able to develop fertile cysts in oryx, making oryx antelopes competent hosts for these parasites. Therefore, the analysis of faecal samples was of high interest and although the numbers were quite small, taeniid eggs were found in three out of five faecal samples of jackals and in all nine dog samples. However, species determination was only successful with two jackal and one dog sample. All three were positive for E. canadensis G6/7. The absence of E. ortleppi may be due to the low number of faecal samples examined. In our small study, we discovered a rather unique lifecycle of Echinococcus spp. between jackals and domestic dogs as definitive hosts and oryx antelopes as intermediate hosts. Here, the presence of E. canadensis G6/7 is of particular concern, as it is the second most important causative agent of CE in humans.

The influence of labor epidural analgesia on maternal, uteroplacental and fetoplacental hemodynamics in normotensive parturients: a prospective observational study.

BACKGROUND: Epidural analgesia provides sufficient analgesia during labor but can cause hypotension despite various prophylactic measures. We studied its effects on pre-placental, fetoplacental, and fetal hemodynamics using Doppler ultrasound. The primary endpoint was the pulsatility index of the umbilical artery at 30 min after establishing epidural analgesia. Secondary endpoints included maternal blood pressures and neonatal outcome data. METHODS: We included healthy parturients at a cervical dilation ≥2 cm, with or without a request for epidural analgesia (n=32 per group). Ultrasound studies of the uterine arteries, umbilical artery and fetal middle cerebral artery were performed before insertion of the epidural catheter, and 30, 60 and 90 min after; the same time-points were assessed in the non-epidural control group. Maternal blood pressure was measured by a continuous non-invasive arterial pressure monitor. RESULTS: Ultrasound studies detected no significant differences in pulsatility indices over time in any blood vessel. In contrast to the control group, maternal blood pressures were significantly lower for all measures after the onset of analgesia compared with baseline values (mean systolic pressure decreased from 132.7 ±â€¯15.9 mmHg to 123.1 ±â€¯14.4 mmHg at 30 min, P=0.003). The mean pH value of the umbilical arterial blood was 7.29 (±0.06) in the epidural group versus 7.31 (±0.08) in the control group (P=0.33). The median Apgar score at 5 min was 10 in both groups. CONCLUSIONS: Pre-placental, fetoplacental and fetal hemodynamics remained stable despite a statistically significant decrease in maternal blood pressure in laboring parturients receiving epidural analgesia.

Building confidence in skin sensitisation potency assessment using new approach methodologies: report of the 3rd EPAA Partners Forum, Brussels, 28th October 2019.

Skin sensitising substances that induce contact allergy and consequently risk elicitation of allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) remain an important focus regarding the replacement of animal experimentation. Current in vivo methods, notably the local lymph node assay (LLNA) refined and reduced animal usage and led to a marked improvement in hazard identification, characterisation and risk assessment. Since validation, regulatory confidence in the LLNA approach has evolved until it became the first choice assay in most regulated sectors. Currently, hazard identification using the LLNA is being actively replaced by a toolbox of non-animal approaches. However, there remains a need to increase confidence in the use of new approach methodologies (NAMs) as replacements for LLNA sensitiser potency estimation. The EPAA Partners Forum exchanged the current state of knowledge on use of NAMs in various industry sectors and regulatory environments. They then debated current challenges in this area and noted several ongoing needs. These included a requirement for reference standards for potency, better characterisation of applicability domains/technical limitations of NAMs, development of a framework for weight of evidence assessments, and an increased confidence in the characterisation of non-sensitisers. Finally, exploration of an industry/regulator cross-sector user-forum on skin sensitisation was recommended.

Molecular identification of zoonotic hookworms in dogs from four counties of Kenya.

All canine hookworms are known to be zoonotic, causing infections ranging from transient skin irritations to prolonged 'creeping eruptions', eosinophilic enteritis and even patent intestinal infections. There is little information on canine hookworm species and their public health significance in sub-Saharan Africa. This study determined the prevalence and species of hookworms in dogs from different climatic zones of Kenya. Dog faecal samples were collected from the environment, and hookworm eggs were isolated by zinc chloride flotation and subjected to DNA extraction. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays targeting the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) 1 and 2, 5.8S and 28S ribosomal RNA of Ancylostoma spp. and Uncinaria stenocephala were performed, and hookworm species were identified by PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) or DNA sequencing. Hookworm eggs were detected by microscopy in 490/1621 (30.23%, 95% CI 28.01-32.54) faecal samples. Estimates of faecal prevalence were high in counties receiving higher rainfall (Narok 46.80%, Meru 44.88%) and low in those with a more arid climate (Isiolo 19.73%, Turkana 11.83%). In a subset of 70 faecal samples, Ancylostoma caninum (n = 59) was the most common species, followed by A. braziliense (n = 10) and A. cf. duodenale (n = 1). This study reports for the first time the detection of A. cf. duodenale in dog faeces and zoonotic hookworm species in Kenyan dogs. These findings emphasize the need for control measures such as enforcing laws for restraining stray dogs, regular deworming of dogs, and public health awareness programmes aimed at informing communities on outdoor use of footwear.

Interspecies assessment factors and skin sensitization risk assessment.

For many endpoints in toxicology, an interspecies safety factor remains a standard requirement. However, for skin sensitization, the hazard and potency predictions, notably from the local lymph node assay (LLNA) have been shown to correlate well with human data. Despite this, there are always exceptions, both over and under predictions. For this reason it has been suggested that an interspecies factor of 15 would accommodate potential "errors". An alternative approach is suggested in which an evidence-based strategy is taken: the large majority of the information indicates a human:LLNA ratio of 1, therefore a corrective factor would best be applied where our knowledge of the underlying chemistry of sensitization indicates that it is necessary.

Prevalence and genotyping of Echinococcus granulosus in sheep in Narok County, Kenya.

Cystic echinococcosis (CE) is a zoonotic disease caused by the larval stage of Echinococcus granulosus species (sensu lato, s.l.). In East Africa, several species/strains occur in livestock, wildlife, and humans, but there is limited information on frequencies of infection by different genotypes in the various mammalian hosts. We have obtained data on E. granulosus infection prevalence in sheep sampled from abattoirs in Narok County, southern Kenya. We inspected carcasses for the presence of hydatid cysts in 180 sheep randomly selected in five sub-locations. The overall prevalence was 16.0% (144/900 animals), with the majority of cysts (50.7%) found in the liver, followed by the lungs (36.8%), while infections involving the liver and lungs were detected in 12.5% of the sheep. PCR-RFLP genotyping of the mitochondrial nad-1 gene in all the 343 cysts identified E. granulosus G1-G3 (sensu stricto, s.s.) as the only genotype. The majority of the cysts (62.1%) were fertile, and 35.2% were sterile, while 2.7% were calcified. Considering cyst fertility, 73.02% of lung cysts were fertile compared to 53.4% in liver cysts. Our data extends previous CE studies in livestock and indicates a high level of CE infection of sheep in Narok, with a predominance of E. granulosus s.s., which is highly pathogenic and commonly infects humans. Given the high fertility rates observed in the cysts, there is an urgent need to determine whether there is a significant incidence of human infection in Narok, and initiate "One Health" control measures.

Pathophysiology of telangiectasias of the lower legs and its therapeutic implication: A systematic review.

Objective Telangiectasias of the lower legs are intradermal dilatations of the subpapillary venous plexus, but their pathophysiology and risk factors are still largely unknown. The purpose of this review is to summarize the current knowledge on the pathophysiology and risk factors for telangiectasias. Methods A systematic review of the literature indexed in Medline completed with textbooks and European phlebology journals from the French, Swiss, and German phlebology societies was performed. Results A multitude of risk factors and several pathophysiological hypotheses, such as reflux, arterio-venous micro-shunts, parietal, and connective tissue abnormalities, are described in the literature. The different hypotheses are discussed and put in a clinical perspective, in particular their therapeutic implications for phlebologists. Conclusion In conclusion, pathophysiology and risk factors of telangiectasias are still largely unknown, and a better understanding could improve treatment results and reduce recurrence.

Measuring Ucrit and endurance: equipment choice influences estimates of fish swimming performance.

This study compared the critical swimming speed (Ucrit ) and endurance performance of three Australian freshwater fish species in different swim-test apparatus. Estimates of Ucrit measured in a large recirculating flume were greater for all species compared with estimates from a smaller model of the same recirculating flume. Large differences were also observed for estimates of endurance swimming performance between these recirculating flumes and a free-surface swim tunnel. Differences in estimates of performance may be attributable to variation in flow conditions within different types of swim chambers. Variation in estimates of swimming performance between different types of flumes complicates the application of laboratory-based measures to the design of fish passage infrastructure.

Cystic echinococcosis in Turkana, Kenya: 30 years of imaging in an endemic region.

Cystic echinococcosis (CE), a widespread, complex zoonosis, causes chronic disease associated with high morbidity. The pastoral Turkana people of Kenya have one of the highest prevalence rates of CE in the world. Between 1983 and 2015, a CE control program in the Turkana region used ultrasound (US) screening surveys and surgical outreach visits to evaluate CE prevalence and treat those with the disease. As the gold standard modality for diagnosing CE, US reveals a great deal of information about the disease in affected populations. The aim of this study is to discuss the characteristics of untreated CE in the Turkana people as revealed by US data collected during the CE control program and evaluate disease presentation, factors influencing the risk of transmission, and the timeline of disease progression. Data were obtained from written patient notes from US screenings and images; cysts were classified using the World Health Organization (WHO) standardized US classification of CE. Findings include greater prevalence of cysts, later stages of cysts, and multiple cysts in older age groups, with no multiple cysts occurring in patients under six years of age, which are consistent with the assertion that rates of exposure, transmission, and infection increase with age in endemic regions. Findings also raise questions regarding the timeline of disease progression, and factors potentially influencing disease transmission within this and other endemic populations. A comprehensive survey focusing on cultural and community observations (e.g., changing behaviors, hygienic practices, etc.) may provide more detailed information regarding factors that facilitate transmission.

Spectrographs for astrophotonics.

The next generation of extremely large telescopes (ELT), with diameters up to 39 meters, is planned to begin operation in the next decade and promises new challenges in the development of instruments since the instrument size increases in proportion to the telescope diameter D, and the cost as D2 or faster. The growing field of astrophotonics (the use of photonic technologies in astronomy) could solve this problem by allowing mass production of fully integrated and robust instruments combining various optical functions, with the potential to reduce the size, complexity and cost of instruments. Astrophotonics allows for a broad range of new optical functions, with applications ranging from sky background filtering, high spatial and spectral resolution imaging and spectroscopy. In this paper, we want to provide astronomers with valuable keys to understand how photonics solutions can be implemented (or not) according to the foreseen applications. The paper introduces first key concepts linked to the characteristics of photonics technologies, placed in the framework of astronomy and spectroscopy. We then describe a series of merit criteria that help us determine the potential of a given micro-spectrograph technology for astronomy applications, and then take an inventory of the recent developments in integrated micro-spectrographs with potential for astronomy. We finally compare their performance, to finally draw a map of typical science requirements and pin the identified integrated technologies on it. We finally emphasize the necessary developments that must support micro-spectrograph in the coming years.

The Echinococcoses: Diagnosis, Clinical Management and Burden of Disease.

The echinococcoses are chronic, parasitic diseases that are acquired after ingestion of infective taeniid tapeworm eggs from certain species of the genus Echinococcus. Cystic echinococcosis (CE) occurs worldwide, whereas, alveolar echinococcosis (AE) is restricted to the northern hemisphere, and neotropical echinococcosis (NE) has only been identified in Central and South America. Clinical manifestations and disease courses vary profoundly for the different species of Echinococcus. CE presents as small to large cysts, and has commonly been referred to as 'hydatid disease', or 'hydatidosis'. A structured stage-specific approach to CE management, based on the World Health Organization (WHO) ultrasound classification of liver cysts, is now recommended. Management options include percutaneous sterilization techniques, surgery, drug treatment, a 'watch-and-wait' approach or combinations thereof. In contrast, clinical manifestations associated with AE resemble those of a 'malignant', silently-progressing liver disease, with local tissue infiltration and metastases. Structured care is important for AE management and includes WHO staging, drug therapy and long-term follow-up for at least a decade. NE presents as polycystic or unicystic disease. Clinical characteristics resemble those of AE, and management needs to be structured accordingly. However, to date, only a few hundreds of cases have been reported in the literature. The echinococcoses are often expensive and complicated to treat, and prospective clinical studies are needed to better inform case management decisions.

Genetic polymorphism and population structure of Echinococcus ortleppi.

The zoonotic cestode Echinococcus ortleppi (Lopez-Neyra and Soler Planas, 1943) is mainly transmitted between dogs and cattle. It occurs worldwide but is only found sporadically in most regions, with the notable exception of parts of southern Africa and South America. Its epidemiology is little understood and the extent of intraspecific variability is unknown. We have analysed in the present study the genetic diversity among 178 E. ortleppi isolates from sub-Saharan Africa, Europe and South America using the complete mitochondrial cox1 (1608 bp) and nad1 (894 bp) DNA sequences. Genetic polymorphism within the loci revealed 15 cox1 and six nad1 haplotypes, respectively, and 20 haplotypes of the concatenated genes. Presence of most haplotypes was correlated to geographical regions, and only one haplotype had a wider spread in both eastern and southern Africa. Intraspecific microvariance was low in comparison with Echinococcus granulosus sensu stricto, despite the wide geographic range of examined isolates. In addition, the various sub-populations showed only subtle deviation from neutrality and were mostly genetically differentiated. This is the first insight into the population genetics of the enigmatic cattle adapted Echinococcus ortleppi. It, therefore, provides baseline data for biogeographical comparison among E. ortleppi endemic regions and for tracing its translocation paths.

Impact of Age, Obesity and Smoking on Patient Satisfaction with Breast Implant Surgery - A Unicentric Analysis of 318 Implant Reconstructions after Mastectomy.

Aim: Breast reconstruction has become increasingly important for the body image of women with breast cancer. We conducted a study to investigate how patient characteristics correlate with surgical outcome after breast reconstruction with implant after mastectomy and to identify risk factors which could facilitate patient selection for reconstruction. Patients and Methods: For this case cohort analysis (n = 257 patients with 318 heterologous reconstructions), we analyzed BMI, smoking, pre-existing disease, chemotherapy and radiotherapy, one-stage/two-stage reconstruction, immediate/delayed reconstruction, antibiotic therapy and complications, partner interaction and adherence to the decision for reconstruction using a customized questionnaire. Results: 257 patients with 318 implant reconstructions (196 unilateral, 61 bilateral) were eligible for inclusion in the study. Median follow-up time was 3.1 years (range: 1 month to 10 years). Response rate to the questionnaire was 71.8 %. Median age was 49 years (range 24-79 years), median BMI was 22.44 (range 16.33-40.09). A BMI > 30 was inversely correlated with positive self-image (p = 0.004), and implant loss/rotation was more frequent in this group (p < 0.05). Smoking > 10 cigarettes/day had a negative impact on surgical outcome. A positive self-image had a positive impact on partner interaction (p < 0.001) and was correlated with a lower perception of pain. Aesthetic results did not vary with age (p = 0.054). Titanized polypropylene meshes were used to protect against implant rotation (p = 0.034). Rates of capsular fibrosis were low in our cohort (< 10 %), and implant loss rate was less than 2 %. Conclusions: This study offers a differentiated approach for the pre-surgical counselling of patients and shows that patients up to 80 years of age are highly satisfied with implant reconstruction. A high BMI and smoking > 10 cigarettes/day are unfavorable preconditions for implant reconstruction. The use of prophylactic antibiotics was confirmed as beneficial for surgical outcome. A positive self-image after reconstruction strongly influences partner interaction.

Translating the concept of intrinsic subtypes into an oncoplastic cohort of more than 1000 patients - predictors of recurrence and survival.

INTRODUCTION: A paradigm shift in breast cancer was introduced by Sørlie's concept of intrinsic subtypes [1]. We validated this concept - which was originally based on 84 individuals - in a large cohort study of 1035 patients with oncoplastic surgery and analyzed if early and late recurrences are linked to a specific intrinsic tumor subtype or resection margins. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 1035 patients with oncoplastic surgery (2004-2009) were analyzed with regard to treatment characteristics and patterns of early (<5 years) and late recurrence (>5 years) and survival related to the intrinsic subtypes. Data was retrieved from patient's charts, customized patients questionnaires and cancer registries. RESULTS: 944 patients with primary, unilateral breast cancer, median age 58 years, were eligible for analysis. At a median FU of 5.2 years, LRR was 4.0%, 5-year-OS 94.5% and DFS 90.9%. Intrinsic subtypes, but not T-size, nodal-status, resections margins nor histopathology, governed local control and survival. There was no signal for prevelance of unclear margins in any of intrinsic subgroups and no preference of any oncoplastic technique attributed to them. TNBC and Her2 non-luminal breast cancer had highest recurrence and lowest survival rates. Although sentinel involvement (SLN+) was prevailing in the Luminal-B-Her 2 negative subtype at 34.3%, this did not translate into a higher axillary dissection rate. CONCLUSION: This study confirmed the intrinsic subtype concept on a large clinical basis and describes the patterns of early and late recurrence in oncoplastic surgery, concluding that bigger risk may not be overcome by bigger surgery.

Thermal ablation of saphenous veins is feasible and safe in patients older than 75 years: A prospective study (EVTA study).

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the tolerance and safety of thermal ablation (TA), consisting of radiofrequency or endovenous laser (EVLA) of saphenous veins (SV) in elderly (group 1 ≥75 years), compared with a control group (group 2 <75 years). METHOD: An Observational multicenter-prospective study was conducted, under the aegis of the French and Swiss Societies of Phlebology (18 centers). Ninety patients were included in group 1, 617 in group 2 (mean age 80 years and 53 years; 69% women in both groups), representing 863 SV. Mean trunk diameters were similar in both groups (small SV: 6 mm; great SV: 7 mm). In group 1, comorbidities were more frequent, particularly cardiac insufficiency, diabetes, history of thrombosis, and CEAP clinical class was significantly higher. RESULTS: EVLA was used in 86% of cases. Settings used were similar in both groups for each technique. Only 6% of TA was performed in an operating room for group 1 (14% group 2). Tumescent local anaesthesia (TLA) alone was used in 91% of cases in group 1 (85% group 2). The mean pain score was only 1.6 for the procedure itself (VASP 0-10; 10 max.) and 1.4 for the 10 days following the procedure. Side effects were few, but rate of paraesthesia was higher when general anaesthesia was used (11.8%) compared with TLA alone (2.2%). At three months, 100% of SV was occluded in group 1 (99.5% group 2), with high satisfaction score (9.3/10). CONCLUSION: TA is safe and effective in elderly; it should be performed strictly under TLA to minimize side effects.

Echinococcus spp. in central Kenya: a different story.

Research on cystic echinococcosis (CE) has a long history in Kenya, but has mainly concentrated on two discrete areas, Turkana and Maasailand, which are known to be foci of human CE in Africa. Here, we report on a survey for CE in livestock from central to northeastern Kenya, from where no previous data are available. A total of 7,831 livestock carcasses were surveyed. CE prevalence was 1.92% in cattle (n = 4,595), 6.94% in camels (n = 216), 0.37% in goats (n = 2,955) and 4.62% in sheep (n = 65). Identification of the parasite was done using an RFLP-PCR of the mitochondrial nad1 gene, which had been validated before against the various Echinococcus taxa currently recognized as distinct species. From a total of 284 recovered cysts, 258 could be identified as Echinococcus granulosus sensu stricto (n = 160), E. ortleppi (n = 51) and E. canadensis (n = 47) by RFLP-PCR of nad1. In cattle, fertile cysts occurred mostly in the lungs and belonged to E. ortleppi (31 of 54), while the vast majority were sterile or calcified cysts of E. granulosus s.s.. Most fertile cysts in camels belonged to E. canadensis (33 of 37); sterile or calcified cysts were rare. Goats harboured fertile cysts of E. ortleppi (n = 3)--which is the first record in that host species--and E. canadensis (n = 1), while all cysts of E. granulosus were sterile. Only sterile cysts were found in the three examined sheep. Typically, all cysts in animals with multiple infections belonged to the same species, while mixed infections were rare. Our data indicate that the epidemiological situation in central to northeastern Kenya is clearly different from the well-studied pastoral regions of Turkana and Maasailand, and the apparently low number of human CE cases correlates with the infrequent occurrence of E. granulosus s.s.

Large-mode-area infrared guiding in ultrafast laser written waveguides in sulfur-based chalcogenide glasses.

Current demands in astrophotonics impose advancing optical functions in infrared domains within embedded refractive index designs. We demonstrate concepts for large-mode-area guiding in ultrafast laser photowritten waveguides in bulk Sulfur-based chalcogenide glasses. If positive index contrasts are weak in As2S3, Ge doping increases the matrix rigidity and allows for high contrast (10(-3)) positive refractive index changes. Guiding with variable mode diameter and large-mode-area light transport is demonstrated up to 10 µm spectral domain using transverse slit-shaped and evanescently-coupled multicore traces.

TIMES-SS--recent refinements resulting from an industrial skin sensitisation consortium.

The TImes MEtabolism Simulator platform for predicting Skin Sensitisation (TIMES-SS) is a hybrid expert system, first developed at Bourgas University using funding and data from a consortium of industry and regulators. TIMES-SS encodes structure-toxicity and structure-skin metabolism relationships through a number of transformations, some of which are underpinned by mechanistic 3D QSARs. The model estimates semi-quantitative skin sensitisation potency classes and has been developed with the aim of minimising animal testing, and also to be scientifically valid in accordance with the OECD principles for (Q)SAR validation. In 2007 an external validation exercise was undertaken to fully address these principles. In 2010, a new industry consortium was established to coordinate research efforts in three specific areas: refinement of abiotic reactions in the skin (namely autoxidation) in the skin, refinement of the manner in which chemical reactivity was captured in terms of structure-toxicity rules (inclusion of alert reliability parameters) and defining the domain based on the underlying experimental data (study of discrepancies between local lymph node assay Local Lymph Node Assay (LLNA) and Guinea Pig Maximisation Test (GPMT)). The present paper summarises the progress of these activities and explains how the insights derived have been translated into refinements, resulting in increased confidence and transparency in the robustness of the TIMES-SS predictions.

A survey for Echinococcus spp. of carnivores in six wildlife conservation areas in Kenya.

To investigate the presence of Echinococcus spp. in wild mammals of Kenya, 832 faecal samples from wild carnivores (lions, leopards, spotted hyenas, wild dogs and silver-backed jackals) were collected in six different conservation areas of Kenya (Meru, Nairobi, Tsavo West and Tsavo East National Parks, Samburu and Maasai Mara National Reserves). Taeniid eggs were found in 120 samples (14.4%). In total, 1160 eggs were isolated and further analysed using RFLP-PCR of the nad1 gene and sequencing. 38 of these samples contained eggs of Echinococcus spp., which were identified as either Echinococcus felidis (n=27) or Echinococcus granulosus sensu stricto (n=12); one sample contained eggs from both taxa. E. felidis was found in faeces from lions (n=20) and hyenas (n=5) while E. granulosus in faeces from lions (n=8), leopards (n=1) and hyenas (n=3). The host species for two samples containing E. felidis could not be identified with certainty. As the majority of isolated eggs could not be analysed with the methods used (no amplification), we do not attempt to give estimates of faecal prevalences. Both taxa of Echinococcus were found in all conservation areas except Meru (only E. felidis) and Tsavo West (only E. granulosus). Host species identification for environmental faecal samples, based on field signs, was found to be unreliable. All samples with taeniid eggs were subjected to a confirmatory host species RLFP-PCR of the cytochrome B gene. 60% had been correctly identified in the field. Frequently, hyena faeces were mistaken for lion and vice versa, and none of the samples from jackals and wild dogs could be confirmed in the tested sub-sample. This is the first molecular study on the distribution of Echinococcus spp. in Kenyan wildlife. The presence of E. felidis is confirmed for lions and newly reported for spotted hyenas. Lions and hyenas are newly recognized hosts for E. granulosus s.s., while the role of leopards remains uncertain. These data provide the basis for further studies on the lifecycles and the possible link between wild and domestic cycles of cystic echinococcosis in eastern Africa.