Estimating the economic effects of cystic echinococcosis. Part 3: Jordan, a developing country with lower-middle income

Abstract

The economic costs of cystic echinococcosis (CE) in Jordan, a developing country of lower-middle income, were investigated. Initial cost-estimates for livestock were based on the published prevalences of Echinococcus granulosus infection in sheep and goats and the values of livestock-related products together with likely production losses. Likewise, the annual numbers of human cases of CE were estimated using published surgical incidences in man. The costs of surgery were estimated from hospital records and by costing out the procedures each patient received whilst undergoing treatment. After comparing the quality of life of patients treated for CE with that of case-matched controls, it appeared that the treated patients had some long-term morbidity caused either by the disease or the resulting treatment. A simple spreadsheet model was built up, to sum the individual cost items. Each cost item and each of the data related to prevalence and incidence was assigned a mathematical distribution and varied randomly, using Monte-Carlo techniques, throughout its range, over 10 000 simulations. The results of the study indicate that the most likely range of annual economic losses attributable to CE in Jordan (encompassing 95% confidence limits) is from U.S.$2 602 215-6533 661, with a median of U.S.$3 874 070.

Global Socioeconomic Impact of Cystic Echinococcosis

“…We therefore assumed that ≈10% (uniform distribution of 8% to 12%) of cases would not be detected. This estimate is conservative compared to other country-specific estimates ( 12 , 14 ). …”

“…In addition, we assumed that ≈10% of annual cases are not officially diagnosed, and those patients do not receive medical attention because of their socioeconomic status or the subclinical nature of the illness. Based on past studies, this estimate is most likely conservative ( 12 , 14 ). For example, in China, mass ultrasound screening in remote areas has shown high prevalence rates of CE ( 9 ).…”

“…Losses from liver condemnation are assumed to occur since hepatic pathology is associated with infection in swine and camels ( 29 ). Losses from liver condemnation were presumed proportional to those used for the analysis of the economic impact of CE in Jordan ( 12 ). Decrease in hide value (20%) and decrease in fecundity (11%) were presumed proportional to values suggested by numerous Soviet studies conducted from the 1950s through the 1980s ( 28 ).…”

Financial loss estimation, prevalence and characterization of hydatidosis of cattle slaughtered at Debre Markos Municipality abattoir, Ethiopia

“…Direct loss was calculated on the basis of condemned organs whereas the indirect losses were estimated on the basis of live weight loss caused by hydatidosis (Polydorou 1981;Torgerson et al 2001). Average market price of lung, liver, spleen, kidney, heart and a kilo gram of beef was found to be USD2.00, USD1.00, USD 0.20, USD 0.30, USD 0.75 and USD 4.00 respectively.…”

Economic Impact of Cystic Echinococcosis in Peru

“…Due to scarcity of data on productivity reduction associated with CE, an estimated 2% reduction, with a uniform distribution of 0% to 4%, was utilized based on the only available data [13]. Fatal cases were assigned a 100% loss of productivity.…”