Echinococcus multilocularis: An Emerging Pathogen in Hungary and Central Eastern Europe?

Abstract

Echinococcus multilocularis, the causative agent of human alveolar echinococcosis, is reported for the first time in Red Foxes (Vulpes vulpes) in Hungary. This parasite may be spreading eastward because the population of foxes has increased because of human interventions, and this spread may result in the emergence of alveolar echinococcosis in Central Eastern Europe.

Keywords

• Echinococcus multilocularis
• red fox
• Hungary
• Central Eastern Europe
• alveolar echinococcosis
• emerging zoonosis