Studies on the sero-epidemiology of endemic diseases in Libya

Abstract

In Libya traditional animal husbandry and the practice of domestic slaughter of food animals contribute to the maintenance of the Echinococcus cycle. The cost of echinococcosis is high and may significantly affect the national economy. This study, employing the ELISA test, has indicated an approximately 10% infection rate in children and young adults from the environs of Benghazi, no difference being apparent between rural and urban dwellers. The prevalence of the infection should be determined in both animals and man and possible disease inter-relationships investigated. Surveys are required in all alleged endemic areas and in sheep and camel breeding areas. It is also necessary to determine the importance of foxes, hyaenas and jackals in transmission among other animals. A clinical trial is recommended to assess the value of mebendazole against Echinococcus cysts.