The Burden of Cystic Echinococcosis in Kenya: A Review Article

BACKGROUND: Cystic echinococcosis (CE), caused by the larval stage of Echinococcus granulosus sensu lato (s.l), is a zoonotic parasitic disease with a worldwide distribution. Kenya is one of the high endemic countries of CE with the endemic areas in the country being under immense occupation of traditional pastoralists. Turkana area in Kenya, has in the past recorded the highest prevalence of CE in the world. METHODS: The keywords cystic echinococcosis; Prevalence; Diagnosis; Risk-factors; Kenya were searched on google scholar and PubMed and the important literature materials retrieved for further analysis. RESULTS: The most notable infection risk factor for this disease in the country is the close association between man, dogs, and livestock. Successful control of CE in Kenya requires application of innovative interventions achieved after the review of the disease situation in the country. With the emergence and advent of new diagnostic techniques, CE organ-specific infections and transmission pattern in Kenya differ from what is commonly reported in literature. CONCLUSION: A better understanding of CE prevalence of different hosts, its transmission pattern and the pathogenicity might make it possible to set up more effective control programs in future.