Societal drivers of human echinococcosis in China.

BACKGROUND: Echinococcosis is a parasitic zoonotic disease that threatens human health and economic development. In China, 370 counties are endemic for echinococcosis. Qinghai-Tibet Plateau has the most patients and people at risk. Therefore, analyzing the societal factors related to susceptibility to the disease is critical for efficient prevention and control of echinococcosis. METHODS: The demographic characteristics and lifestyle of echinococcosis cases were clustered using K-means cluster analysis to determine the main factors of risk of echinococcosis. RESULTS: Middle-aged and young people as well as those with a low education level and herdsmen are at risk of contracting echinococcosis. Nomadism, domestic and feral dogs in the surrounding environment, and drinking heavily polluted natural surface water are the main behavioral risk factors. The cystic echinococcosis (CE) and alveolar echinococcosis (AE) cluster analysis focused on female, middle-aged, and young people, winter settlement and summer nomadism, and domestic and feral dogs in the surrounding environment. There were significant differences in lifestyle between Qinghai-Tibet Plateau cases and non-Qinghai-Tibet-Plateau cases. CONCLUSION: According to the distribution of cases and CE and AE, this study identified the factors of risk of echinococcosis in the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau and non-Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. Adapted control techniques appropriate for the various epidemic areas should be established to serve as a reference for echinococcosis prevention.

Prevalence and spatial distribution characteristics of human echinococcosis in China.

BACKGROUND: Echinococcosis is a zoonotic parasitic disease caused by larval stages of cestodes belonging to the genus Echinococcus. The infection affects people's health and safety as well as agropastoral sector. In China, human echinococcosis is a major public health burden, especially in western China. Echinococcosis affects people health as well as agricultural and pastoral economy. Therefore, it is important to understand the prevalence status and spatial distribution of human echinococcosis in order to advance our knowledge of basic information for prevention and control measures reinforcement. METHODS: Report data on echinococcosis were collected in 370 counties in China in 2018 and were used to assess prevalence and spatial distribution. SPSS 21.0 was used to obtain the prevalence rate for CE and AE. For statistical analyses and mapping, all data were processed using SPSS 21.0 and ArcGIS 10.4, respectively. Chi-square test and Exact probability method were used to assess spatial autocorrelation and spatial clustering. RESULTS: A total of 47,278 cases of echinococcosis were recorded in 2018 in 370 endemic counties in China. The prevalence rate of human echinococcosis was 10.57 per 10,000. Analysis of the disease prevalence showed obvious spatial positive autocorrelation in globle spatial autocorrelation with two aggregation modes in local spatial autocorrelation, namely high-high and low-high aggregation areas. The high-high gathering areas were mainly concentrated in northern Tibet, western Qinghai, and Ganzi in the Tibetan Autonomous Region and in Sichuan. The low-high clusters were concentrated in Gamba, Kangma and Yadong counties of Tibet. In addition, spatial scanning analysis revealed two spatial clusters. One type of spatial clusters included 71 counties in Tibet Autonomous Region, 22 counties in Qinghai, 11 counties in Sichuan, three counties in Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, two counties in Yunnan, and one county in Gansu. In the second category, six types of spatial clusters were observed in the counties of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, and the Qinghai, Gansu, and Sichuan Provinces. CONCLUSION: This study showed a serious prevalence of human echinococcosis with obvious spatial aggregation of the disease prevalence in China. The Qinghai-Tibet Plateau is the "hot spot" area of human echinococcosis in China. Findings from this study indicate that there is an urgent need of joint strategies to strengthen efforts for the prevention and control of echinococcosis in China, especially in the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau.

Bone marrow stromal cells reverse the microglia type from pro-inflammatory tumour necrosis factor a microglia to anti-inflammatory CD206 microglia of middle cerebral artery occlusion rats through triggering secretion of CX3CL1.

The middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) model has been extensively applied to study ischaemic stroke. This study attempted to clarify effect of bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs) on infarct injury of MCAO rats. BMSCs were isolated and identified by staining CD29/CD44 and CD31/CD45. CX3CL1 silencing vector (pLVX-shRNA-CX3CL1) was generated and infected to BMSCs. pLVX-shRNA-CX3CL1 infected BMSCs were transplanted into brain tissue of MCAO rats. Real-time PCR was used to determine CX3CL1 expression. Infarct areas were stained with TTC to evaluate infarct size. Double-staining immunofluorescence was conducted to determine anti-inflammatory type CD206 and pro-inflammatory type tumour necrosis factor a (TNF-a) microglia. Isolated BMSCs were positively presented for CD29/CD44, and negatively for CD31/CD45. CX3CL1 was significantly lower in the BMSC + pLVX-shRNA2-CX3-CL1 group compared to the BMSCs + pLVX group (p < 0.05). According to TTC and neurological scores, MCAO rats were successfully generated. BMSCs transplantation significantly increased CD206 microglia and decreased TNF-a microglia. However, shRNA-CX3CL1-infected BMSCs remarkably reduced CD206 microglia and enhanced TNF-a microglia compared to the MCAO + BMSCs group. In conclusion, BMSCs reverse microglia from pro-inflammatory type TNF-a microglia to anti-inflammatory type CD206 microglia in the infarct region of MCAO rats (3rd to 7th days post BMSC transplantation), through triggering of CX3CL1 secretion. Therefore, the potential effects of CX3CL1 secreted by BMSCs would provide an insight for stem cell-dependent therapeutic strategies in treating ischaemic stroke-associated disorders.

Advances in research on echinococcoses epidemiology in China.

Echinococcoses are serious zoonotic diseases in China's vast, western and north-western pastoral areas that has one of the highest prevalence in the world. The two most common forms, cystic echinococcosis (CE) and alveolar echinococcosis (AE), are co-epidemic in some areas causing a grave threat to people's health and economic development. Echinococcus spp. are transmitted through domestic, sylvatic and mixed cycles involving many kinds of host. Successful transmission requires a favourable environment for the growth of the parasites and survival of their eggs, while the unique customs and religious beliefs in the endemic areas pose a challenge to the prevention and control of these parasites. Based on previous epidemiological studies, this paper reviews the particular factors affecting the transmission of Echinococcus parasites in China, with a focus on biological (parasite genotype and the species, age, sex and density of hosts), environmental (landscape and climate) and social (age, gender, ethnicity, education, occupation, life style, cultural customs, living conditions and hygiene practices of humans in the endemic areas). These three factors interact with each other and jointly determine the parasites' transmission intensity, the study of which supports the formulation of the strategies and measures that are significant for control of these infections.

Disease burden of echinococcosis in Tibetan communities-A significant public health issue in an underdeveloped region of western China.

Echinococcosis is considered by the World Health Organization (WHO) to be a neglected zoonotic disease in the world. Some Tibetan communities were found to be highly endemic for echinococcosis just 20 years ago. Until recently, we were able to understand the overall disease burden of echinococcosis in Tibetan communities after prevalence data being available from nationwide investigations from 2012 to 2016. Data were abstracted from 9 publications regarding to echinococcosis prevalence between 2016-2018; from 10 data bases on echinococcosis prevalence for 151 Tibetan counties; and statistics of population, Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and health staff from 44 local statistic bureaus and government websites at provincial, prefecture and county level, and 2 books of provincial yearly statistics. These data were used to estimate the Disability Adjusted Life Years (DALYs) due to cystic echinococcosis (CE) and alveolar echinococcosis (AE). The distribution of DALYs was presented geographically and economically. The echinococcosis DALYs in the Tibetan communities were estimated to be 126,159 (95%UI 122,415-137,675) annually using the method recommended by WHO. AE DALYs were estimated to be 105,829 (95%UI 101,969-117,090), which were more than CE DALYs of 20,330 (95%UI 19,690-21,581). Echinococcosis affects people more in underdeveloped areas. There was a tendency that a higher echinococcosis DALYs were usually correlated a higher altitude. Health services are also poorly provided in terms of number of health staff of 5.05 per 1000 population in comparison with the national average of 5.8 per 1000 population. The data suggest that the echinococcosis burden in the center region of Qinghai-Tibet plateau is higher than that of other regions, and consequently more control and health services should be provided to the region.

Epidemiological survey of echinococcosis in Tibet Autonomous Region of China.

BACKGROUND: The echinococcosis is prevalent in 10 provinces /autonomous region in western and northern China. Epidemiological survey of echinococcosis in China in 2012 showed the average prevalence of four counties in Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR) is 4.23%, much higher than the average prevalence in China (0.24%). It is important to understand the transmission risks and the prevalence of echinococcosis in human and animals in TAR. METHODS: A stratified and proportionate sampling method was used to select samples in TAR. The selected residents were examined by B-ultrasonography diagnostic, and the faeces of dogs were tested for the canine coproantigen against Echinococcus spp. using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The internal organs of slaughtered domestic animals were examined by visual examination and palpation. The awareness of the prevention and control of echinococcosis among of residents and students was investigated using questionnaire. All data were inputted using double entry in the Epi Info database, with error correction by double-entry comparison, the statistical analysis of all data was processed using SPSS 21.0, and the map was mapped using ArcGIS 10.1, the data was tested by Chi-square test and Cochran-Armitage trend test. RESULTS: A total of 80 384 people, 7564 faeces of dogs, and 2103 internal organs of slaughtered domestic animals were examined. The prevalence of echinococcosis in humans in TAR was 1.66%, the positive rate in females (1.92%) was significantly higher than that in males (1.41%), (χ2 = 30.31, P < 0.01), the positive rate of echinococcosis was positively associated with age (χ2trend = 423.95, P < 0.01), and the occupational populations with high positive rates of echinococcosis were herdsmen (3.66%) and monks (3.48%). The average positive rate of Echinococcus coproantigen in TAR was 7.30%. The positive rate of echinococcosis in livestock for the whole region was 11.84%. The average awareness rate of echinococcosis across the region was 33.39%. CONCLUSIONS: A high prevalence of echinococcosis is found across the TAR, representing a very serious concern to human health. Efforts should be made to develop an action plan for echinococcosis prevention and control as soon as possible, so as to control the endemic of echinococcosis and reduce the medical burden on the population.

A path to cooperation between China and Mongolia towards the control of echinococcosis under the Belt and Road Initiative.

Health is the core of development. Health cooperation between countries plays a pivotal role under the Belt and Road Initiative (B&R). In 2013, China launched its B&R to improve the international cooperation of which health was an important component. As one of the neglected zoonotic diseases, echinococcosis has become a public health concern and is on top of the government agenda among neglected zoonosis in Mongolia. The transmission of the disease involves animal husbandry, and its characteristics determine the prevention and control of such diseases which requires cross-sector collaboration and comprehensive prevention and control strategies. Taking echinococcosis as an entry point and adopting a 'Mongolia-led, China-supported, and results-sharing' approach to public health cooperation will not only contribute to the advancement of Mongolia's national health coverage, but also promoting China's capacity to engage in global health. In this way, it contributes to meeting the sustainable development goals, especially goal 3, target 3.3: by 2030, end the epidemics of AIDS, tuberculosis, malaria and neglected tropical diseases and combat hepatitis, water-borne diseases and other communicable diseases. This paper provides an overview on how the cooperation between China and Mongolia under the context of B&R was initiated, planned and moved forward to implementation. The experience may provide a good model and inform policy and practice for other bilateral cooperations.

Vildagliptin, a DPP4 inhibitor, alleviates diabetes-associated cognitive deficits by decreasing the levels of apoptosis-related proteins in the rat hippocampus.

Cognitive impairment is a prevalent but underestimated complication of diabetes, which can cause spatial memory and learning deficits. In the present study, a streptozotocin-induced type 2 diabetic rat model was employed to investigate the effects of vildagliptin, a new oral hypoglycemic agent that acts by inhibiting dipeptidyl peptidase-4, on diabetes-associated cognitive impairments, as well as the molecular mechanisms involved. The present findings demonstrated that vildagliptin treatment prevented memory impairment and decreased the apoptosis of hippocampal neurons. It also attenuated the abnormal expression of caspase-3, B cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2) and Bcl-2 associated X protein in the diabetic model. Vildagliptin treatment also reversed diabetes-induced decreases in phosphorylated (p)-protein kinase B (Akt) and p-glycogen synthase kinase 3ß (GSK3ß), brain-derived neurotrophic factor and nerve growth factor expression levels. The results indicated that the administration of vildagliptin exerts a protective effect against cognitive deficits by decreasing the expression of apoptosis-related proteins in the hippocampus and that this protective effect was mediated via the Akt/GSK3ß signaling pathway.

Combating echinococcosis in China: strengthening the research and development.

Echinococcosis is a neglected zoonotic disease, causing great morbidity and mortality due to the wide distribution of its endemic areas. China holds a high percentage in the global burden of both cystic and alveolar echinococcosis. A national survey conducted between 2012 and 2016 showed that an estimated 50 million people are at risk of contracting the disease in western China, of whom about 0.17 million are cases with echinococcosis.Despite this, research and development on echinococcosis in China is greatly inadequate compared to that in other countries. In this paper, we argue that there is a need for more research and work to be conducted in China on echinococcosis, including researching techniques in regards to diagnosis, treatment, and vaccination, and developing products through technical transformation and piloting strategies to control and even elimination.However, great opportunities exist for China to strengthen the research and development on this disease through initiatives such as Health China 2030, the Belt and Road Initiative, the China-Africa cooperation, as well as through further cooperation between China and the World Health Organization. All of these can bring us closer to controlling echinococcosis in China as well as in other countries. One element of crucial importance will be the training and development of professionals, which can be strengthened through international cooperation.

A tumor-suppressive microRNA, miRNA-485-5p, inhibits glioma cell proliferation and invasion by down-regulating TPD52L2.

Glioblastoma multiforme is the most deadly primary brain tumor and has no effective treatment. Therefore, it is important to identify novel and effective therapies that impede glioma tumorigenesis. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are helpful analytical biomarkers and may be useful targets for treating multiple human cancers. Previous reports suggest that miRNA-485-5p is dysregulated and contributes to tumorigenesis in some cancer types. Nevertheless, the biological role of miRNA-485-5p in glioma is not well understood. In this study, we demonstrated that miRNA-485-5p expression was reduced in gliomat issues and cell lines. In addition, miRNA-485-5p overexpression inhibited cell proliferation, migration, and invasion in glioma cell lines. Additionally, we identified Tumor Protein D52 Like 2 (TPD52L2) as a direct target of miRNA-485-5p. Moreover, we showed that miRNA-485-5p regulated glioma tumorigenesis by down-regulating TPD52L2 expression in vitro and in vivo. Our results suggest that miRNA-485-5p is a suppressor of glioma tumorigenesis and could serve as a novel candidate for therapeutic applications in glioma treatment.

Seasonal pattern of Echinococcus re-infection in owned dogs in Tibetan communities of Sichuan, China and its implications for control.

BACKGROUND: Human cystic echinococcosis (CE) and alveolar echinococcosis (AE) are highly endemic in Tibetan communities of Sichuan Province. Previous research in the region indicated that domestic dog was the major source of human infection, and observations indicated that domestic dog could have more access to intermediate hosts of Echinococcus spp.: both domestic livestock (CE) viscera and small mammals (AE), in early winter and again in spring. We hypothesized that there would therefore be a significant increase in the risk of canine infection with Echinococcus spp. in these two seasons and conducted a reinfection study to investigate this further. METHODS: Faecal samples were collected from owned dogs in seven townships in Ganze Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture (Sichuan Province, China), and Echinococcus spp. infection status was determined using copro-antigen ELISA. Dogs were sampled in April (spring), July (early summer), September/October (autumn/early winter) and December (winter) in 2009; and in April (spring) 2010. Dogs were treated with praziquantel following each of the five sample collections to eliminate any tapeworms. Information on dog sex, age and body weight was also collected. The t-test, Fisher's exact test, Poisson regression and logistic regression were used to compare means and prevalences, and to identify factors associated with infection status. RESULTS: The proportion of female dogs was significantly lower than that of male dogs; female dogs had significantly higher (22.78 %) baseline copro-ELISA prevalence than males (11.88 %). Dog body weight, sex, age, county and previous infection status at any sampling point had no influence on the re-infection prevalence in general. Poisson regression did not found a significant influence on the re-infection prevalence due to different deworming/sampling time spans. Dogs exhibited significantly higher re-infection prevalences in spring and early summer of 2009 and in early winter between September/October and December of 2009, suggesting a higher infection pressure in these seasons comparing with other seasons. CONCLUSION: Following praziquantel treatment, dog body weight, sex, age, county, deworming time span and previous infection status at any sampling point had no influence on the re-infection prevalence in the region in general. The differences between re-infection prevalences were probably due to the seasonality in Echinoccocus spp. infection pressure in the region. Early winter, spring and early summer should be important seasons for optimal dog deworming intervention in these Tibetan communities.

[Research Advances on Distribution Characteristics of and Factors Associated with Fecal Contamination by Definitive Hosts of Echinococcus spp.].

Echinococcosis is a severe zoonotic parasitic disease caused by larvae of Echinococcus spp.. Fecal contamination by definitive hosts of Echinococcus is the major cause of echinococcosis transmission. It is therefore of great significance to estimate the level of fecal contamination by the definitive hosts and develop prevention and control strategies. This article gives an overview on distribution characteristics of, and factors associated with fecal contamination by definitive hosts of Echinococcus.

[Cost Analysis of Dog Deworming in Echinococcosis Control Program in Daofu，Sichuan Province].

Objective: To estimate the cost of dog deworming in Daofu, Sichuan Province and analyze the factors influencing the cost, in order to provide a scientific basis for the investment for echinococcosis control. Methods: Thirty villages were randomly selected in Daofu, Sichuan Province in November 2015, according to the proportion of agricultural and pastoral areas. Data concerning the cost during each step of dog deworming were collected. The unit cost was estimated, the cost composition in each step, element, and institution were described, and the main cost-influencing factors were analyzed using the linear regression method. Results: The mean cost of dog deworming in the 30 surveyed villages was 3.76 yuan/dog-times, comprising drug cost of 0.38 yuan/dog-times, bait cost of 0.37 yuan/dog-times, drug delivery cost of 0.09 yuan/dog-times, mobilization cost of 0.19 yuan/dog-times, household deworming cost of 2.05 yuan/dog-times, faeces disposal cost of 0.35 yuan/dog-times, training cost of 0.29 yuan/dog-times, and supervision cost of 0.04 yuan/dog-times. Among the deworming steps, household deworming cost occupied the most （2.05 yuan/dog-times）; among the cost elements, labour cost had the highest proportion （2.55 yuan/dog-times）; among the different-leveled institutions, village-level cost was the most important part（2.82 yuan/dog-times）. Linear regression analysis revealed that the type of production and the distance among households were the major influencing factors. The labour price was the most sensitive factor for cost-estimation in the dog deworming activities. Conclusion: The labor cost of dog deworming is very high. Governments should increase investment according to local situations.

[Dog Fecal Contamination by Echinococcus in Cuomei County of Tibet in 2015].

Objective: To understand dog fecal contamination by Echinococcus in Lhoka Prefecture of Tibet and provide basis for development of prevention and control strategies. Methods: Survey spots were sampled around the Zhegu Village of Zhegu Town in Cuomei County of Tibet using the mechanical sampling method in May, 2015. The positions of spots, amount of dog feces, types of camps, pastures, terrains, vegetations and land cover, as well as information concerning the existence of household garbage, were recorded. The linear distance from survey spot to the center of the village was calculated. Dog feces were sampled in survey spot and examined the copro-antigen for Echinococcus contamination by ELISA. The distribution characteristics of fecal contamination were analyzed by chi-square test, Fisher's exact test, Kruskal-Wallis test and Nemenyi test. Results: Seventy-nine survey spots were selected for sampling. A total of 226 feces samples were obtained in 37 of the spots. ELISA results showed that the copro-antigen positive rate was 23.9%（54/226）, the averaged density of feces and the averaged density of positive feces were 0.317 9/100 m2 and 0.075 9/100 m2, with a maximum of 2.555 6/100 m2 and 0.555 6/100 m2 respectively. The density of feces and the density of positive feces were both higher in summer camps（0.601 9/100 m2 and 0.157 4/100 m2 respectively） than in non-camps（0.170 2/100 m2 and 0.033 1/100 m2）（χ2=18.248 4，P<0.01；χ2=15.274 3，P<0.01）. In addition, the density of feces and the density of positive feces were both higher in survey spots with household garbage（0.679 0/100 m2, 0.177 0/100 m2） than in those without household garbage （0.130 3/100 m2 and 0.023 5/100 m2）（χ2=34.634 7，P<0.01；χ2=26.109 1，P<0.01）; as well as higher in survey spots ≥10 km from the center of the village（0.403 7/100 m2, 0.107 4/100 m2） than in those <10 km（0.265 3/100 m2, 0.056 7/100 m2）（χ2=4.432 7，P<0.05；χ2=4.045 5，P<0.05）. Conclusion: The Cuomei County of Tibet is facing a serious situation of dog fecal contamination by Echinococcus. Summer camps, areas with household garbage, and districts with a ≥10 km linear distance from the village center may provide reference for determining the regions for hydatidosis prevention and control.

Analysis on Serum Trace Element Levels of Echinococciasis Patients in Garze Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture in Sichuan, China, 2011.

In Garze Tibetan autonomous prefecture in Sichuan province, China, 41 echinococciasis patients who had received surgical treatment were recruited in the study, and 82 health persons who had lived in Garze for at least 10 years were selected as controls. The serum levels of Zn, Se and Cu of the cases and controls were detected. The results showed that most echinococciasis cases were distributed in Shiqu county (17.1%, 7/41), and only 1 case was distributed in Yajiang county (2.4%). The male to female ratio of the cases was 1:1.56. The echinococciasis patients were mainly aged 30-39 years (36.59%, 15/41). And, the cases aged 20-49 years accounted for 68.29% (28/41). Compared with health controls, the serum levels of Zn and Se of the cases significantly declined. However, the serum level of Cu of the cases had no significantly change. It was confirmed that the serum levels of Zn and Se were interrelated with the prevalence of echinococciasis.

[Cluster analysis of cystic echinococcosis in non Tibetan Plateau regions].

OBJECTIVE: To understand the endemic characteristics and regularity of cystic echinococcosis by evaluating and classifying its endemic situation in Non Tibetan Plateau regions, so as to provide the evidence for formulating effective preventive and control measures. METHODS: The prevalence data of cystic echinococcosis in 174 counties (cities, districts, banners) in Non Tibetan Plateau regions from a national survey were collected and analyzed by the sample cluster method in 2012. RESULTS: The 174 counties (cities, districts, banners) could be classified into 4 clusters by spatial distribution. The first cluster with human high prevalence rate, low infection rate of livestock, and positive rate of dog stool antigen included 3 counties. The second cluster with high infection rate of livestock, low prevalence rate of human, and positive rate of dog stool antigen included 20 counties (cities). The third cluster with high positive rate of dog stool antigen, low prevalence rate of human, and low infection rate of livestock included 39 counties (cities, districts, banners). The fourth cluster with low rates of the above 3 indices included the rest 112 counties. CONCLUSIONS: The results of the cluster analysis conform to the current epidemiological status of cystic echinococcosis in the Non Tibetan Plateau regions. The epidemiological characteristics and geographical distributions of the four area types will provide a basis for the classified management and guidance of cystic echinococcosis control in these areas.

9p21 polymorphisms increase the risk of peripheral artery disease in the Han Chinese population.

OBJECTIVE: A case-control study to investigate the association of the 9p21 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) rs10757274 and rs10757278 (known to be associated with coronary artery disease [CAD] risk) with peripheral arterial disease (PAD), in a Han Chinese population. METHODS: The rs10757274 and rs10757278 genotypes of patients with PAD, and age- and sex-matched control subjects, were determined. Multivariate unconditional logistic regression analyses were performed, with adjustments for age, sex, hypertension, dyslipidaemia, diabetes and smoking status. RESULTS: The study included 420 patients with PAD and 418 control subjects. Variant forms of both SNPs were associated with increased risk of PAD in the total study population, when excluding patients with CAD or stroke (additive genetic model). The GG haplotype increased the risk of PAD, but this association did not remain significant after further sensitivity analysis. Both SNPs were associated with PAD risk in patients aged <65 years, but not in those aged ≥ 65 years (additive model). CONCLUSIONS: 9p21 is associated with PAD. When stratified according to age, 9p21 increases PAD risk in individuals aged <65 years, but not in those aged ≥ 65 years.

[Progress on the epidemiology of echinococcosis].

Echinococcosis is a zoonotic parasitic disease caused by the larval stages belonging to the genus Echinococcus. Echinococcosis is a major public health problem in many countries and regions. The epidemiological study of echinococcosis would contribute to the control and elimination of this disease. This paper summarizes the research status and progress on epidemiology of echinococcosis.

[Analysis of larval echinococcosis cases from the National Web-based Infectious Diseases Report System in China in 2011].

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the relevant information of echinococcosis cases from the National Web-based Infectious Diseases Report System in China in 2011. METHODS: Data of echinococcosis in 2011 were collected from the Report System of the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention. SPSS 16.0 software was used to analyze the data. RESULTS: A total of 3 225 cases were reported in 2011, including 1 death and 3 013 effective cases. The three provinces (autonomous region) with high incidence were Xinjiang (occupying 41.5%, 1251/3013), Gansu (16.9%, 509/3 013) and Qinghai (12.0%, 363/3 013). Cases distributed in all age groups, with the highest incidence in the group of 31-40-year-old. Male to female ratio was 1:1.01. The incidence of farmers and herdsmen was highest. CONCLUSION: In 2011, the reported cases are mainly distributed in Xinjiang, Qinghai, Inner Mongolia, Gansu, Ningxia, Sichuan and Tibet. Echinococcosis is mainly prevalent in western China.