Drastic increase of cystic echinococcosis prevalence in livestock from Maasailand, Kenya

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Abstract Cystic echinococcosis (CE) is a globally endemic zoonosis of major public health and economic importance. Although numerous studies have investigated CE in Maasailand, Kenya, up-to-date epidemiological and molecular data remain limited. This study assessed the prevalence and genetic identity of Echinococcus granulosus sensu lato in livestock from Maasailand, Kenya, to evaluate ongoing transmission dynamics. A total of 1891 slaughtered livestock, comprising 667 cattle, 592 sheep and 632 goats, were examined for CE between September 2023 and April 2024. Cysts were assessed for fertility, and parasite genotypes were identified using Polymerase Chain Reaction–Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism and sequencing of the NADH (Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide) dehydrogenase subunit 1 gene. The overall CE prevalence was 28.7%, with higher rates in cattle (37.2%) and sheep (31.9%) than in goats (16.8%). CE prevalence was significantly higher in females than in males ( P < 0.001). Cysts were predominantly located in the lungs (52.9%) and liver (45.6%). Sheep showed the highest cyst fertility (11.6%), followed by goats (7.6%) and cattle (6.7%). Molecular analysis identified E. granulosus sensu stricto as the predominant species (98.9%), with E. ortleppi (0.9%) and E. canadensis (G6/7) (0.1%) detected at low frequencies. Across all livestock species, CE prevalence in Maasailand was markedly higher than previously reported in the region and other endemic areas of Kenya, indicating sustained transmission. These findings highlight the need to identify drivers of transmission to guide strengthened and scaled-up prevention and control measures in this endemic region.

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