Epidemiologisches Update: Aktuelles zur epidemiologischen Situation der alveolären Echinokokkose und deren Erfassungs- und Meldestrukturen in Österreich, der Schweiz und Deutschland

OBJECTIVE:  Alveolar echinococcosis (AE) is a rare disease in Austria, Switzerland and Germany (DACh) caused by an infection with the parasite Echinococcus multilocularis. The aim of the study was to describe differences in the detection and reporting systems of alveolar echinococcosis in Austria, Switzerland and Germany and to describe epidemiological trends.

METHODOLOGY:  As part of an epidemiological update on 6th September 2019 in Ulm, Germany, experts and representatives discussed differences in the reporting and recording systems as well as the current epidemiological situation.

RESULTS:  Since 2004, Austria has had an obligation to report suspected cases, diseases and deaths of alveolar echinococcosis by name in accordance with §1 Para. 1 of the Epidemiegesetz 1950 (EpidemieG) and the Ordinance on Notifiable Communicable Diseases. According to §7 Para. 3 of the German Infection Protection Act (IfSG), Germany has also been subject to a reporting obligation since 2001, but not by name. In addition, national registers are available in both countries, which can be used to answer scientific questions. In Switzerland, there is no obligation to report human alveolar echinococcosis since 1997. Efforts are currently being made to implement a national register for alveolar echinococcosis in Switzerland. Despite different reporting and recording systems, a similar epidemiological trend can be observed for DACh.

CONCLUSIONS:  In Austria, Switzerland and Germany there is a slightly increasing trend of human cases with alveolar echinococcosis. The direct comparability is limited due to different reporting obligations. The structures often do not allow a joint answering of scientific questions concerning diagnostics, treatment and care.