Niche Analysis of Spatial Distribution and Host Selection of Global Echinococcus Species — Worldwide, up to June 30, 2024

Objective: Echinococcosis is a fatal parasitic disease caused by infection with the larval stages of Echinococcus spp.. This study explored the spatial distribution characteristics and the host selection patterns of global Echinococcus species based on niche analysis, to provide scientific insights for the prevention and control of echinococcosis. Methods: Relevant literature was retrieved from Web of Science, PubMed, ScienceDirect, and CNKI (China National Knowledge Infrastructure) databases. Data on the host information and geographic locations for all Echinococcus species worldwide were extracted. The spatial distribution characteristics of Echinococcus were summarized, and the host frequency heatmaps were generated using the SRplot platform. Niche indices were calculated and visualized using R language packages and the Hiplot Pro platform. Results: The ten existing Echinococcus species were documented across 1,770 provincial-level administrative divisions in 113 countries, involving 188 species of host animals. Significant heterogeneity with varying degrees of overlap and differentiation was observed in spatial and host niches among Echinococcus species. The overall spatial distribution among Echinococcus species showed a significantly negative correlation (VR=0.85, W=1,502.79<χ² 0.951770), while host selection patterns revealed no significant correlation (VR=0.90, χ² 0.95187<W=167.70<χ² 0.05187). Echinococcus granulosus and Echinococcus multilocularis exhibited the broadest spatial niche (B_Eg=7.34) and host niche (B_Em=3.07), respectively. Conclusion: The spatial distribution and host selection among Echinococcus species exhibit complex heterogeneity and correlations, requiring the development of targeted strategies for the prevention, control, and surveillance of echinococcosis.