[The current risk factors for hydatidosis in Tunisia].

Les facteurs actuels d'endémicité de l'hydatidose en Tunisie

K. Aoun (1, 2) , M. Benabid (2) , Y. Galai (2) , M. K. Chahed (2) , A. Bouratbine (1, 2)

1 Laboratoire de Parasitologie, Institut Pasteur de Tunis
2 LR 05-SP 03 - Laboratoire des parasitoses émergentes, Institut Pasteur de Tunis

Hydatidosis is a major public health problem in Tunisia. The presence of numerous stray dogs, widespread practice of sheep rearing and frequent slaughter of animals outside slaughterhouses are the main risk factors for spread of this zoonotic disease. Human behaviour associated with poor understanding of the parasite life cycle also has a negative impact. Health education is crucial for effective control. It should emphasize the damaging effects of uncontrolled slaughter, the exact role of dogs in parasite transmission and above all the need for adequate measures to sterilize infested viscera.

Keywords: Hydatidosis; Epidemiology; Human behaviour; Tunisia

Domains: Microbiology and Parasitology

K. Aoun, M. Benabid, Y. Galai, M. K. Chahed, A. Bouratbine. Les facteurs actuels d'endémicité de l'hydatidose en Tunisie. Medecine Tropicale, 2009, 69 (3), pp.311. ⟨pasteur-00683981⟩