Distribution and ecology of Echinococcus multilocularis in Central Asia

Abstract

Much of Central Asia is characterized by an arid landscape. Foci of Echinococcus multilocularis have a very patchy distribution. This is due to a significant deficiency of moisture in the superficial layers of the ground and is related to the types of animal colonies. In the plain, the abundance of endemic foci increases in a direction from the sandy deserts to steppe. In mountains the highest levels of infection of animals are observed in the eastern part of region. In arid regions, E. multilocularis is typically located in humid mesophilous biotopes. Here there is sufficient moisture in the spring to promote survival of eggs and there is a close interrelation between the definitive and intermediate hosts.