Hawkar A. Nasralla, Berun A. Abdalla, Hiwa O. Abdullah, Sasan M. Ahmed, Fahmi H. Kakamad, Shvan H. Mohammed, Rawezh Q. Salih, Dahat A. Hussein, Tomas M. Mikael, Marwan N. Hassan, Hunar A. Hassan, Suhaib H. Kakamad, Kayhan A. Najar, Karukh K. Mohammed, Diyar A. Omar, Shadi H. Sidiq, Fakher Abdullah, Yousif M. Mahmood (Author)
Current Perspectives on Cystic Echinococcosis: A Systematic Review
Hawkar A. Nasralla, Berun A. Abdalla, Hiwa O. Abdullah, Sasan M. Ahmed, Fahmi H. Kakamad, Shvan...
Introduction: Hydatidosis, a zoonotic disease caused by the larval stage of Echinococcus granulosus, is a significant public health concern with notable economic impact. It leads to morbidity and mortality worldwide, particularly in endemic regions. This study systematically reviews recent literature on cystic echinococcosis (CE) to provide updated insights into its prevalence, impact, and management. Methods: A systematic review was conducted using PubMed to find original articles on hydatid cysts published between September 1, 2019, and September 1, 2024. Data extracted included the first author's name, country, publication year, study type, number of cases, clinical presentation, diagnostic methods, cyst location and quantity, cyst status, treatment type and medications, follow-up details, recurrence, and mortality rates. Data were organized and qualitatively analyzed. Results: A total of 398 articles were identified, of which 229 articles with 1,002 patients met the inclusion criteria. Spain reported the highest number of CE cases at 362 (36.13%). Asia accounted for 487 cases (48.60%), and Europe contributed 460 cases (45.91%). The liver was the most frequently affected organ, accounting for 731 cases (72.95%), followed by the lungs with 110 cases (10.98%), and the kidney with 43 cases (4.29%). The age distribution of the cases showed that 63 (6.29%) were aged between 3 and 18 years. Conclusion: Hydatidosis remains a significant global public health concern, impacting developing and developed countries. The liver and lungs remain the primary sites of infection. Preventive strategies, including regular animal screening and enhanced public health education, are essential for controlling the spread of the disease.