CYSTIC HYDATID DISEASE
Cystic hydatid disease (Echinococcus Granulosus) in the mid-Atlas mountains of Morocco, North West Africa.
The teams of the IAV Hassan II University in Rabat, the National Public Health Institute in Rabat, local Moroccan authorities and WINDREF are collaborating in an ongoing study of CE. The aim is to investigate the prevalence of cystic echinococcus (CE) using ultrasound (US) in rural areas of Morocco where concentrations are likely to be highest. In 2000 over 4,000 people were screened with US in Khenifera and in 2001 over 7,000 were screened in Ifrane. Both provinces are located in the mid-Atlas mountains where most inhabitants live a transhumant lifestyle, herding sheep using dogs.
The recorded prevalence in 11,000 CE screened people was just over 1%.
Now, public health risk of contracting CE in this region can be calculated. The results will be used to develop a CE control program in Morocco. Infected patients will receive treatment as per WHO guidelines. The treatment of choice depends on the cyst type and its condition and location. Albendazole is the drug of choice. A proposal for funding was submitted to keep this project going in the coming years.
Here, at a school where the survey was conducted, communication and electricity are poor and potable water is not always available.
Malika Kachani (on donkey) with
Barada and team members.