Abstract:

The data of reported echinococcosis cases in Jiangsu Province from 2015 to 2022 were collected from the Chinese Disease Prevention and Control Information System and epidemiological investigations were conducted on individual cases, while infection of intermediate and terminal hosts was monitored. Two key areas of Liyang City and Yixing City, where suspected local cases have occurred in the past were selected to conduct an investigation on the infection status of intermediate and final hosts of echinococcosis. Every year, 100-200 sheep organ samples were collected from slaughterhouses in both cities, and visceral dissection was used to check the infection status of Echinococcus. Fecal samples from at least 100 dogs in 1-3 administrative villages were collected, and canine fecal Echinococcus antigen was detected by ELISA. A descriptive analysis was performed using PASW 18.0 to analyze the time, region, population distribution, treatment status, and surveillance results of intermediate and terminal hosts. From 2015 to 2022, a total of 29 cases of echinococcosis were reported in Jiangsu Province, of which 62.07% (18/29) were confirmed cases, and 37.93% (11/29) were clinically diagnosed cases. There were 14 suspected local cases and 15 imported cases. Twelve of the imported cases were from Xinjiang, China, 2 cases from Xizang, China and 1 case from Pakistan. Thirteen reported cases, which was the highest in number, were from Changzhou (10 of which are suspected local cases in Liyang). Among the 29 reported cases, 34.48% (10/29) were male and 65.52% (19/29) were female, 51.72% (15/29) were 40-60 years old, and 41.38% (12/29) were farmers. All cases were cystic echinococcosis, and the symptoms of upper abdominal discomfort accounted for 51.72% (15/29), and the main parasitic site was the liver (93.10%, 27/29). 75.86% (22/29) of the cases received surgical treatment. The fecal antigen-positive rate of canine Echinococcus was 0.74% (15/2 028), and suspected Echinococcus eggs were found in two canine feces. From 2015 to 2022, echinococcosis cases were reported annually in Jiangsu Province, and in addition to imported cases, there were also suspected local cases. The transmission chain of echinococcosis may exist in local areas. Therefore, follow-up surveillance of echinococcosis should be strengthened, and screening and health education should be actively carried out in key areas and populations.

Key words: Echinococcosis, Jiangsu Province, Reported cases, Epidemiological characteristics, Prevention and control strategies