Uncovering the Hidden Threat: Algeria's Battle with Animal Cystic Echinococcosis

Algeria has been grappling with a silent but significant health issue: animal cystic echinococcosis (CE). This condition, caused by a tiny parasite called Echinococcus granulosus, has been a persistent problem for both animals and people. To get a better grasp of the situation, researchers gathered data from various studies conducted between 2003 and 2024. They looked at how common CE is in different animals and where it's most prevalent across the country. The findings revealed that about 15. 24% of dogs, which are the primary carriers of the parasite, were affected. However, this number varied widely depending on the region and the specific study, indicating a lot of inconsistency in the data. For other animals like cattle, camels, sheep, goats, and wild boars, the overall prevalence was around 4. 16%. But again, there were big differences among these species.Some areas in Algeria, like Tébessa, M'Sila, and Setif, had much higher rates of CE, while places like Tindouf and Batna had lower rates. This suggests that the parasite isn't spread evenly across the country. The researchers also found that the size of the sample and the location of the study played a big role in the variability of the results. This comprehensive review highlights the ongoing struggle with CE in Algeria and underscores the need for better surveillance, targeted control measures, and standardized diagnostic methods. By addressing these issues, Algeria can work towards reducing the transmission of this parasite and the economic losses it causes.