Echinococcosis: based on molecular studies in Iran

Iran is an important endemic focus area of cystic hydatid disease where several intermediate host species are commonly infected with Echinococcus granulosus. Annually, most livers are shipped out, stored away, or destroyed due to contamination among livestock. For instance, in Aleshtar (Lorestan province), liver and lung losses due to hydatid cysts during 2002-2003 were approximately 864,360,000 Rials and 35,530,000 Rials for sheep and cow, respectively. In other words, given the risk of human contamination with this parasite, the costs associated with diagnosis, treatment, and surgery are important. Epidemiology studies have been performed in different part of Iran, but there is no international estimate of infection in livestock. Molecular studies have indicated the presence of G1 and G6 genotypes in different parts of Iran. We discuss these molecular studies in this article.