Transmission Pattern of Fasciola Infection in an Egyptian Village, Abo- Homos District, Beheira Governorate

Abstract

Fasciola is a well known parasite of herbivorous animals. It has a worldwide distribution in the animal reservoir host. A large variety of animals, such as sheep, goats, cattle, buffaloes, horses and rabbits, show infection rates that may reach up to 90% in some areas. Infection of hmnan host was very sporadic until the last two decades when clinical cases and outbreaks were reported. The largest numbers of infected people have been reported from Bolivia, China, Ecuador, Egypt, France, Islamic Republic of Iran, Peru and Portugal.

The estimated number of infected people is 2.4 million in 61 countries. The nmnber at risk is more than 180 million throughout the world. In Egypt, the population at risk is considered to be 27 million. Accordingly, based on an estimated overall prevalence of 3 %, the number of infected cases amounts to 830,000 individuals.

The present work was carried out to study the transmission pattern of human fascioliasis in Gerar village, Abo-Homos District, Beheira Governorate. Prevalence, intensity of infection, and incidence, in addition to the nature of infection among families were investigated. The problem of animal fascioliasis was also studied through examining faecal samples of animals owned by the study sample.