Objective: To understand the endemic characteristics and regularity of cystic echinococcosis by evaluating and classifying its endemic situation in Non Tibetan Plateau regions, so as to provide the evidence for formulating effective preventive and control measures.
Methods: The prevalence data of cystic echinococcosis in 174 counties (cities, districts, banners) in Non Tibetan Plateau regions from a national survey were collected and analyzed by the sample cluster method in 2012.
Results: The 174 counties (cities, districts, banners) could be classified into 4 clusters by spatial distribution. The first cluster with human high prevalence rate, low infection rate of livestock, and positive rate of dog stool antigen included 3 counties. The second cluster with high infection rate of livestock, low prevalence rate of human, and positive rate of dog stool antigen included 20 counties (cities). The third cluster with high positive rate of dog stool antigen, low prevalence rate of human, and low infection rate of livestock included 39 counties (cities, districts, banners). The fourth cluster with low rates of the above 3 indices included the rest 112 counties.
Conclusions: The results of the cluster analysis conform to the current epidemiological status of cystic echinococcosis in the Non Tibetan Plateau regions. The epidemiological characteristics and geographical distributions of the four area types will provide a basis for the classified management and guidance of cystic echinococcosis control in these areas.