Background: Cystic echinococcosis (CE) is a widespread neglected zoonotic disease caused by Echinococcus granulosus sensu lato (EG) with a global burden of control in the billions of dollars. E. granulosus' life cycle involves definitive, intermediate, and humans as dead-end hosts. Echinococcosis control programs use strategies that focus on any of these hosts. We aimed to provide a comprehensive and up-to-date overview of the EG control interventions worldwide.
Methods: We conducted a scoping review by mapping all studies on interventions for EG control following the Arksey and O'Malley Framework. We screened identified articles, and charted and coded selected papers. We classified the data based on target host, type of study, and control mechanism. We described the efficacy or safety outcomes, and the associated barriers/facilitators for the intervention. Critical appraisal was conducted.
Results: From 7,853 screened studies, we analyzed 45: seven centered on human interventions, 21 on animals, and 17 on both. Studies on humans focused on educational strategies and human CE monitoring. The studies on animals were field trials and most were based on Praziquantel (PZQ) for dogs. Studies focused on both animals and humans had, in general, more participants, lasted longer, and covered larger geographical areas. Overall, the quality of studies was moderate to low.
Conclusions: Available evidence suggests that long-term interventions aimed at both animals and humans can achieve significant reduction in EG transmission, particularly when PZQ treatment for dogs is included. Higher quality evidence, standardization of methodologies, and better reporting on post-intervention outcomes are necessary for drawing stronger conclusions. Further evidence is needed to assess the sustainability and scalability of control measures. Nonetheless, an integrative One Health approach is essential for overcoming the multiple challenges associated with sustaining long-term control efforts for Echinococcosis.
Keywords: Echinococcosis; Echinococcus granulosus; Neglected Tropical Diseases; Neglected Zoonotic Diseases; One Health; Zoonoses.