Clinical Challenges in Echinococcosis Treatment and Frontiers in New Drug Development: Current Status and Future Outlook.

Abstract

Echinococcosis, a zoonotic disease caused by larval Echinococcus tapeworms, manifests primarily as Cystic Echinococcosis (CE) and Alveolar Echinococcosis (AE). It poses a serious threat to the global livestock industry and public health. Based on a systematic review of the disease's epidemiological features, pathogen biology, life cycle, and clinical management, this review systematically assesses the progress, core strengths, and key translational barriers of four mainstream anti-echinococcosis drug development avenues over the past five years. It was emphasized that the in vivo and in vitro efficacy and mechanisms of action of these emerging therapeutic agent classes critically evaluate the current landscape and core challenges of the field, and offer forward- looking perspectives for future research. This review aims to provide a crucial theoretical foundation and practical reference for precise disease control, optimized clinical strategies, and the development of novel therapeutics.