Europäisches Echinokokkose Register

Human Alveolar Echinococcosis (AE), which is the infection with the larval stage of the tapeworm Echinococcus multilocularis, is a rare but severe disease. In Central Europe, the parasite in its natural sylvatic cycle is now emerging in regions where it had not been known previously. Transmission to humans occurs when eggs of the worm, excreted by the definitive hosts (foxes, dogs or cats), are ingested accidentally. As we know from well studied areas, there is an increase of E. multilocularis-prevalence in foxes, as well as an increase of fox populations. Therefore, concern is rising whether alveolar echinococcosis might become a risk for the population in endemic areas. Unfortunately, knowledge of the epidemiology and especially the routes of transmission of the eggs to humans is only fragmentary.

Therefore, the European Echinococcosis Registry "EurEchinoReg" has been created in 1998. The aim of this project is to collect clinical and epidemiological data of human infection as well as epidemiological and ecological data from the animal hosts. The multidisciplinary network will help to determine the prevalence of human cases, identify possible risk factors and prognostic factors. To achieve these goals, registration of human cases should be as complete as possible. Examinations of the prevalence in foxes concentrates on preliminary work in areas where no recent data exist at all, and on in-depth-studies in areas with a good record of background data to allow the recognition of changes in potential infection pressure. Data retrieval is achieved in every country with the cooperation of medical doctors, public health authorities, public veterinary laboratories, and parasitological research institutes.

Since 2001, these projects are complemented by "EchinoRisk": Risk assessment and prevention of alveolar echinococcosis. In this network, the spatial and temporal distribution of E. multilocularis infections in wild carnivores is analyzed in 10 European countries. The ecology of urban foxes and E. multilocularis transmission in urban areas are also investigated. A further subject is the identification of genetic differences between parasite isolates from geographically distinct areas within Europe.

Cooperating centers are currently established in: Austria,  Belgium,  Czech Republic,  France,  Germany,  Greece,  Italy,  Lithuania,  The Netherlands,  Poland,  Romania,  Slovak Republic,  Switzerland,  and the United Kingdom. For further information on the network, fox prevalences, or the frequency of the disease please contact the participating team in your country (see following list).