Zoonotic helminth infections of humans: echinococcosis, cysticercosis and fascioliasis

Abstract

Purpose of review: Tissue parasites of humans are still prevalent in most regions of the world, and are also seen more frequently in developed countries due to increasing travel patterns. In particular, Echinococcus infections still account for hepatic and pulmonary pathology, cysticercosis is a major cause of seizures and epilepsy, and fascioliasis also causes significant liver pathology. This review summarizes current knowledge on clinical and epidemiologic aspects of zoonotic disease caused by tissue helminths.

Recent findings: Tissue helminth infections remain as a public health concern. Recent research has provided new insights into clinical disease in humans and improved methods for diagnosis, treatment and control, arising mostly from the application of new techniques for immune and molecular diagnosis, availability of data from controlled trials, and development of new vaccines. Specific antiparasitic therapies are now better characterized, and new control tools are available.

Summary: Recent research has provided new diagnostic technologies applicable to diagnosis, treatment and control, but effective interventions to reduce transmission are rarely applied. Despite some progress in their control, these zoonoses continue to be a major public health problem in many regions both in developing countries and in some more developed ones.