Epidemiological profile, parasitological study and molecular characterization of cystic echinococcosis cases in children and adolescents in Algeria.

Human cystic echinococcosis (CE) is a major public health problem in North African countries, including Algeria. The epidemiology of Human CE is poorly documented in Algeria. The present study is a retrospective survey investigating the epidemiological situation of this neglected disease in children and adolescents from Algeria and revealing its serious impact. Between 2020 and 2023, epidemiological data were collected on CE 92 cases from children and adolescents diagnosed in the pediatric surgery department of the Mother and Child Hospital, University Hospital of Setif, province of Setif, Algeria. Clinical profile of these CE cases and fertility assessment and molecular characterization of hydatid cysts surgically removed from patients were also reported in this study. Overall, CE cases were slightly more prevalent in children aged from three to nine years (P = 0.677; X2 = 0.174). The number of CE cases recorded in males was statistically higher than in females (P = 0.007; X2 = 7.348). Most of CE patients originated from rural areas compared to urban areas (P = 0.001; X2 = 23.000). The lung localization of hydatid cysts was predominant compared to liver localization. The microscopic examination of collected hydatid cysts showed a fertility rate of 53.04%. PCR and sequence analysis of a partial fragment of the 12 small subunit ribosomal RNA gene from 44 cysts revealed the presence of Echinococcus granulosus sensu stricto. Cystic echinococcosis continues to be a serious health problem in Algerian children. Therefore, further investigations are needed to better understand its epidemiology, particularly with regard of parasite transmission dynamics to humans, and develop long-term preventive measures to control this important parasitic disease in Algeria.