Hi, can you summarize this section (The parasitic infection known as echinococcosis, also called hydatid disease, is brought on by tapeworms belonging to the genus Echinococcus. Given that it affects both humans and animals, it is regarded as one of the most significant zoonotic infections worldwide. The epidemiology of the illness is complicated, and a number of factors influence how it spreads and how it is transmitted [1]. 
Echinococcus has two hosts in its life cycle: definitive and intermediate. The adult tapeworms live in the small intestines of carnivores like dogs and other canids, which are typically the definitive hosts. Through their feces, these hosts release the parasite eggs into the surrounding environment. Accidental parasite egg ingestion by intermediate hosts, such as humans, causes the development of cysts in a variety of organs, including the liver, lungs, and others [2]. 
Echinococcus transmission routes are primarily reliant on interactions between the definitive and intermediate hosts. Traditional livestock methods, like grazing livestock in open fields, may in some locales contribute to the contamination of pastures with tapeworm eggs. In turn, this raises the possibility of infection in both humans and animals. In many areas, there is also the potential for zoonotic transmission due to the close association between humans and dogs. People are more likely to contract the disease if they come into close contact with infected dogs or eat undercooked meat from infected animals [3]. 
The geographic location, climate, and socioeconomic circumstances are just a few of the variables that have an impact on the distribution of Echinococcus. The disease is widespread throughout the world and is especially prevalent in parts of Asia, South America, and Africa. In these places, the disease persists and spreads as a result of factors like poverty and limited access to healthcare services [4].
Echinococcosis epidemiology is significantly influenced by human activities. Deforestation and urbanization are two factors that can result in the displacement of permanent hosts, changing the parasite's distribution and abundance. Echinococcus has also spread to places where it was previously absent as a result of globalization and an increase in international travel [5].
The location and size of the cysts affect the clinical signs and symptoms of echinococcosis. While some people may go years without experiencing any symptoms, others may have severe symptoms that can cause organ dysfunction and even death. Imaging methods like ultrasound, computed tomography (CT), or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are frequently used to diagnose the disease because they help identify the characteristics of the cysts[6] 
The main goals of echinococcosis prevention and control are to stop the transmission routes and reduce human exposure to tapeworm eggs. This calls for a number of tactics, such as deworming domestic dogs, educating the general public about good hygiene habits, and improving meat inspection in slaughterhouses to look for infected organs. Additionally, surveillance systems are essential for observing the epidemiological trends of the illness and putting in place focused control measures [7].
Studies have shown that echinococcosis is widespread in Iraq, where it is thought to be endemic. The environment, livestock husbandry practices, and socioeconomic factors have the biggest impacts on the disease's distribution in Iraq [8].
Geographically, cases of echinococcosis have been reported in a number of provinces throughout Iraq, including those in the north (Dohuk, Erbil, and Sulaymaniyah), the center (Baghdad, Diyala, and Salah ad Din), and the south (Basra and Thi-Qar). However, there may be regional differences in the disease's prevalence and severity [9].
It has been determined that livestock farming practices, particularly the raising of sheep and goats, play a significant role in the spread of echinococcosis in Iraq. Traditional animal husbandry practices like free-ranging grazing and insufficient veterinary control measures raise the possibility of contact between definitive hosts (like dogs) and intermediate hosts (like sheep and goats), which could result in the spread of infection [10].
The prevalence of echinococcosis in Iraq is also influenced by socioeconomic factors like poverty, poor sanitation facilities, and restricted access to medical care. These circumstances may lead to subpar hygiene standards, insufficient meat inspection, and insufficient canine deworming, all of which raise the possibility of human parasite exposure [8].
Various studies carried out in various Iraqi provinces have revealed varying prevalence rates for echinococcosis. For instance, a study carried out in the province of Erbil discovered that the disease's causative agent, Echinococcus granulosus, was present in about 25% of the sheep and 10% of the goats examined. Similar levels of infection in livestock have been reported in other studies from various regions [11].
Regarding human cases, a study in the Dohuk province discovered a disproportionately high prevalence of echinococcosis among patients with liver cysts, with about 60% of the cysts being attributed to Echinococcus granulosus [12]. Echinococcosis was also found in the capital city of Baghdad, according to a study that was conducted there. It revealed a significant number of surgically confirmed cases of the disease [13]
In Iraq, efforts are being made to control the disease by enhancing meat inspection in slaughterhouses, promoting routine dog deworming, and educating the general public about hygienic practices to prevent infection. The burden of echinococcosis in Iraq must be reduced through the implementation of targeted control measures and surveillance systems to track the disease's epidemiology [7].
Hydatid disease (HD) or cystic echinococcosis (CE) is a complex neglected disease caused by the parasite Echinococcus granulosus or E. multilocularis. It is prevalent in many Mediterranean countries [14]. CE forms cystic lesions (a bladder-like cyst) that can affect any body part, but mainly the liver (50-70%), lung (20%), spleen (5-8%), and less commonly the kidneys, brain, adrenal glands and soft tissues [15]–[17]. HD often has no symptoms or signs, and they may not depend on the cyst’s size, location or complications. Sometimes, the cysts can cause pain [18]. Echinococcus has different stages: eggs, oncospheres, hydatid cysts in the intermediate host (humans and domestic animals), and adult parasites in the final host. Humans can get hydatidosis by eating or drinking food and water contaminated with Echinococcus eggs or by direct contact with infected animals [20]. Echinococcus causes significant economic losses. It affects both humans and animals by reducing the quality of meat and increasing the cost of treatment [19].
Several studies on the incidence and epidemiology of cystic hydatid disease (CHD) in different cities, including Baghdad, have been completed in Iraq, despite the absence of local, routine epidemiological surveys [1].
Such studies have disclosed that there is a high prevalence of hydatid disease infections among the population of these cities, with heavy distribution among rural individuals [3]. For example, the study of [21] and [22] have indicated that CE is still representing a real and massive public health problem in Iraq. In addition, they claimed that the rate of disease incidence might be higher than that in many other countries [23]. 
Echinococcosis is a complex public health problem that has various factors affecting its transmission and distribution. These factors include different hosts, environmental conditions, and human activities. It is important to understand these factors to design and implement effective measures to prevent and control this neglected zoonotic infection that affects humans and animals. In Iraq, the true extent of Echinococcosis may not be known due to limited surveillance and underreporting, but existing evidence indicates that it is endemic and a serious public health issue in the country. The purpose of this study was to estimate the prevalence of disease in Baghdad sectors according to place and time.
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