Fascioliasis in Yemen: A Long Track of Neglect despite Reports of Existence

Abstract

Fascioliasis is one of the most neglected tropical diseases in Yemen and is viewed as a zoonotic disease of sporadic nature. However, recent reports of human cases, well-documented published literature on animal and human fascioliasis and environmental evidence on the contamination of freshly eaten vegetables necessitate understanding of the disease eco-epidemiology in the country. To improve case detection in clinical settings, laboratory technicians should be trained well on the detection of Fasciola species. From an epidemiologic perspective, serosurveys for anti-Fasciola antibodies are recommended to map the distribution of infection among communities in suspected geographic areas. In parallel, the burden of animal fascioliasis and environmental contamination of freshly eaten vegetables and water should also be assessed. On the other hand, freshwater bodies should be surveyed for potential snail hosts. In fact, it may be premature to discuss the prevention and control strategies while the epidemiologic status of fascioliasis in the country is still unclear.

Keywords: Fasciola, Neglected tropical disease, Yemen