Work

Autochthonous human case of Echinococcus ortleppi cystic echinococcosis in Brittany, Western part of France

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Human cystic echinococcosis (CE) is a worldwide infection due to the larval stage of Echinococcus granulosus sensu lato , a taeniid tapeworm of canids. Identification of the causative agent at species level relies on molecular methods such as DNA sequencing or species-specific qPCR, which are rarely used for routine case management. Among the different species within the E. granulosus complex, Echinococcus ortleppi ( E. granulosus genotype G5 former “cattle strain”) has been reported in only 19 human cases worldwide, including 3 in France. We report the 20th case of E. ortleppi cystic echinococcosis, which is an French autochthonous case of a patient without usual risk factors for CE, and living in an area not known to be endemic for E. ortleppi . This case highlights that medical community should be aware of the benefits from molecular epidemiology in understanding the landscape of parasitic diseases. • Echinococcus ortleppi is a rare species within the E. granulosus species complex. • Cystic echinococcosis (CE) remains endemic in countries with very low prevalence. • CE can be acquired in the absence of traditional risk factors. • Improved clinical, epidemiological and molecular documentation of CE is needed.

Source: Food and Waterborne Parasitology

DOI: 10.1016/j.fawpar.2025.e00264

Authors: Brice Autier, Marion Baldeyrou, Heithem Jeddou, Coralie Barrera, Jean-Pierre Gangneux