Epidemiology and public health risks of Echinococcus multilocularis in the Dutch province of Limburg from a One Health perspective

Echinococcus multilocularis is an emerging zoonotic parasite with foxes as the main definitive hosts. Humans can accidentally get infected, which may lead to the development of the life-threatening disease alveolar echinococcosis. After the first detection in foxes in 1996 in the Dutch provinces of Limburg and Groningen, an increase in fox prevalence and human AE cases has occurred and a northward spread from South Limburg was seen. Furthermore, E. multilocularis DNA was recently found on soft fruits from South Limburg. In this PhD project, a One Health approach will be used to assess the current epidemiological situation and public health risks associated with this parasite in Limburg. The four main goals will be to study the current prevalence and distribution of E. multilocularis in foxes, to investigate contamination of fruits and vegetables from the endemic area, the exposure and seroprevalence in humans, and to compare E. multilocularis parasites isolated in The Netherlands with other regions in Europe. More insight in the spread and origin of E. multilocularis in foxes, contamination of fruits and vegetables and the extent of human exposure will help to estimate the risk for public health and will contribute to the development of effective prevention strategies. Moreover, this knowledge will contribute to surveillance efforts and preparedness for potential future emergence of this pathogen in new regions.

Contact 
Laura Derks