Ultrasound screening for cystic echinococcosis of school-age children in endemic areas of Chile: A pilot cross-sectional study towards integration in the Regional Program for the Elimination of Cystic Echinococcosis 2020-2029.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Cystic echinococcosis (CE) is a public health problem in livestock-breeding areas, including Chile, which adhered to the Pan American Health Organization Regional Program for the Elimination of CE 2020-2029. Abdominal ultrasound (US) screening of school-aged children (SAC) in high-risk areas is envisaged by the Action Plan for Control, Monitoring and Prevention of CE of the Ministry of Health (MoH) of Chile. We implemented pilot US screening and estimated CE prevalence in SAC in three municipalities prioritized by the MoH, to inform about the feasibility of targeting this age group within the activities of the Action Plan.

Methodology/principal findings

A cross-sectional US screening was carried out in SAC (6-14 years) in Río Hurtado (Coquimbo region), Paillaco (L

SUBMITTER: Alvarez Rojas CA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12303381 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature