[Current findings on the epidemiology of alveolar echinococcosis in France].

On the basis of a ten year study, the authors provide the present knowledge concerning the epidemiology of alveolar hydatid disease in France. The various hosts involved in the life-cycle of the parasite are enumerated. Six small rodent species act as natural intermediate hosts with marked differences in susceptibility. The definitive hosts are: i) wild foxes; 30 per cent of them are found parasitized in hyperendemic areas; ii) domestic carnivores especially dogs and to a lesser extent cats. Until the present work, the presence of infected domestic dogs and cats was not demonstrated in France. In conclusion, dogs seem to play an important role in the human contamination by the parasite. Consequently simple prophylactic measures are recommended.