Department of Animal Science and Eco-tourism Management, Aksum University, Shire, Ethiopia
Dawit, G., Department of Animal Science and Eco-tourism Management, Aksum University, Shire, Ethiopia; Shishay, K., Department of Animal Science and Eco-tourism Management, Aksum University, Shire, Ethiopia
Toxoplasmosis, leishmaniasis and hydatidosis are the most neglected, an important public health problem and of economic importance, affecting largely the poorest of the poor, mainly in developing countries. Toxoplasmosis is a problematic zoonosis, particularly in vulnerable groups such as pregnant women and immunodeficient patients. Toxoplasma gondii was first isolated in the early 1900s from an African rodent (i.e. Ctenodactylus gundi). Toxoplasma gondii is an obligate intracellular protozoan parasite, infecting humans and almost all warm-blooded animals. Toxoplasmosis is the most common disease complication, next to tuberculosis, among HIV seropositive admissions and deaths in Ethiopia. Leishmaniasis is a major vector-borne disease caused by obligate intramacrophage protozoa of the genus Leishmania and transmitted by the bite of phlebotomine female sand flies. Currently, leishmaniasis shows a wider geographic distribution and increased global incidence. Environmental, demographic and human behaviors contribute to the changing landscape for zoonotic cutaneous and visceral leishmaniasis. The primary reservoir hosts of Leishmania are sylvatic mammals such as forest rodents, hyraxes and wild canids and dogs are the most important species among domesticated animals in the epidemiology. HIV/AIDS co-infection in the north-western, visceral leishmaniasis focus in Ethiopia has the highest known HIV co-infection rate in the world. Hydatidosis is a major parasitic disease caused by the larval stage of the dog tapeworm Echinococcus granulosus and is characterized by the formation of single or multiple cysts (hydatid cysts) varying in size. Dogs are particularly important in zoonotic transmission due to their close relationships with humans. Ethiopia has been noted for a high prevalence of hydatid disease since 1970s during which it was reported that the disease occurs in all parts of the country. Likewise, studies conducted recently in abattoirs of various locations have indicated that hydatidosis is widespread in Ethiopia with great economic and public health significance. Therefore, it is highly imperative public health education to build up public awareness about the sources of infection, control and prevention method for overcoming neglected tropical diseases. © IDOSI Publications, 2014.