Review of parasitic zoonotic infections in Egypt

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Zoonoses are diseases and infections that are transmitted in nature between vertebrates and humans. Zoonoses consist of an interaction among at least three species: one pathogen and two hosts − animals and humans. This review aimed at shedding in depth light on zoonotic parasitic diseases in Egypt, with special reference to their relative incidence between humans, reservoir animals, sources of human infection and control policies. According to the available literature, many parasitic zoonoses are endemic in Egypt. In rural areas, intestinal parasitic zoonoses are widespread and are the leading cause of diarrhea, particularly among children. Some parasitic zoonoses are mainly found in certain areas in Egypt, for example, cutaneous leishmaniasis and zoonotic babesiosis in Sinai. Other locations in Egypt have a history of certain parasitic zoonoses, such as visceral leishmaniasis in the El Agamy area in Alexandria. Fortunately, control programs have led to a dramatic decrease in the prevalence of other zoonoses, such as intestinal schistosomiasis and fascioliasis in the country. In Egypt, animal reservoirs of parasitic zoonoses have been identified. These include rodents, stray dogs, and cats as well as domestic and farm animals and birds. Many vectors have also been revealed, typically mosquitoes and ticks, which pose real threats for disease transmission. Strict control strategies are needed to upgrade and complement current efforts at eradicating parasitic zoonoses in Egypt.

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