Hydatid disease in Arab Countries: An epidemiological review

Background: Cystic hydatid disease (CE), a disease caused by the larval stage of Echinococcus granulosus is a persistent disease imposing a significant cost in terms of health and economic indicators of the Arab world in general.

Aims: The current up-to-date epidemiological review aims to synthesize the present state of CE in Arab countries, emphasis was put on defining a geographic variation in prevalence, and estimating the socioeconomic burden introduced by this parasitic scourge.

Methodology: A Scoping review of peer-reviewed sources was conducted to summarize the current epidemiological patterns, genetic lineages, and geographic determinants influencing cystic echinococcosis transmission in Arab countries. 

Results:  The review clearly shows that CE is still endemic in Arab countries across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) Region and that hyperendemic foci in the case of North Africa, the Levant, and Iraq are obvious. The persistence of infection is primarily driven by three factors: (1) conventional slaughtering practices, (2) widespread populations of stray dogs, and (3) transnational livestock trade, all of which maintain the parasite's transmission cycle. The genotypes that became predominant in circulation were the ones of sheep and camel.

Conclusion: The burden of hydatid disease in Arab countries requires a multi-faceted approach through One Health paradigm. This form of integrative approach must also interlock the fields of veterinary, medical and environmental, in order to support the ideas of sustainable control programs, and to reduce the severe economic and human cost, which this disease imposes.