Predictors of Echinococcus multilocularis prevalence in definitive and intermediate hosts: a meta-analysis approach

Publikation: Bidrag til tidsskriftTidsskriftartikelfagfællebedømt

Echinococcus multilocularis (EM) is a pathogenic and potentially fatal cestode causing human alveolar echinococcosis (AE). A meta-analysis was conducted using a generalized estimation equation approach (GEE) to assess the effect of taxonomic, environmental and diagnostic variables on EM prevalence in different hosts. Red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) had significantly higher prevalence of EM than domestic dogs (Canis lupus familiaris), with the diagnostic method playing an important factor in assessing prevalence. For intermediate hosts genera was significantly associated with EM prevalence although there was some indication of publication bias in this dataset. This study also highlights the possible importance of temperature and precipitation to EM transmission. This implies the possibility of a changing climate affecting the future distribution of the parasite.

OriginalsprogEngelsk
TidsskriftJournal of Parasitology
Vol/bind101
Udgave nummer3
Sider (fra-til)297-303
Antal sider7
ISSN0022-3395
DOI
StatusUdgivet - 2015

ID: 132242835