Factors Contributing to Transmission of Domestic and Sylvatic Lifecycles of Echinococcus Species in Samburu and Maasai Mara, Kenya

Abstract

Cystic echinococcosis (CE), caused by different species of the Echinococcus granulosus sensu lato (s.l), is an important global zoonotic disease with a particular impact on pastoralist communities. Depending on the species, the lifecycles can be domestic, peri-domestic or wildlife-based. Previous studies have established existence of both domestic and peri-domestic cycles in Kenya. However, factors related to the interaction and hence transmission of both cycles are unknown.To investigate factors, leading to interaction and transmission of CE within pastoral communities living near wildlife conservation areas, 740 residents (356 from Maasai Mara, and 384 Samburu) were interviewed.  An open-ended questionnaire was administered seeking information on practices, behaviors and activities involving possible interaction between wild life and humans living within the study areas. Data collected identified the associated risk factors as; livestock herding in the wildlife conservation areas, dogs accompanying herders into the conservation areas, frequent uninspected home slaughter and feeding of raw offal to dogs. Additionally, poor personal hygiene due to lack of enough water, environmental contamination with faecal matter from dogs and wild carnivores, and the wild carnivores preying on livestock contributed majorly to Cystic echinococcosis transmission risk. Further, in Samburu community, cultural practices such as humans not eating lungs and therefore feeding to dogs posed an important risk for the disease transmission. transmitting Cystic Echinococcosis.The study concludes that illegal encroachment of human and livestock into the wildlife conservation areas and the free roaming and preying of wild carnivores on livestock in human settlements favor the existence of both domestic and wildlife Echinococcosis life cycles. The study recommends enforcement of meat control act, community education programs as well as conducting more prevalence studies in a view to map out the disease situation in Kenya.