Human alveolar echinococcosis–global, regional, and national annual incidence and prevalence rates

Abstract

Background: Alveolar echinococcosis (AE) of humans is a disease caused by the larval (metacestode) stage of the ‘fox tapeworm’ Echinococcus multilocularis. AE primarily affects the liver and, like cancer, can spread to surrounding or distant organs. Its slow progression and resemblance to malignant tumours emphasise the critical importance of early detection and intervention, as there is no highly effective vaccine against AE. Although recognised as a neglected disease, there has been no recent, comprehensive review of the distribution, incidence and prevalence of AE in humans around the world. Objectives: To estimate the global, regional, and national annual incidence rates and prevalences ..