Target product profiles for diagnostic tests for Echinococcus granulosus in humans, dogs and sheep

Overview

This document presents target product profiles (TPPs) for diagnostic tests for Echinococcus granulosus in humans, dogs and sheep and goats. It aims to encourage investment in and development of new tools to improve cystic echinococcosis (CE) case management and support control programmes. The TPPs identify diagnostic gaps, priority needs, use cases and minimum and ideal test characteristics through platform-agnostic recommendations.

For humans, diagnostic tests are needed following imaging findings compatible with CE to support referral for expert consultation and clinical management. Although the TPPs focus on laboratory-based assays, their performance requirements may also inform the development of artificial intelligence-assisted imaging interpretation tools. For dogs and sheep and goats, tests are needed to monitor the effectiveness of control programmes and map active transmission. Testing dogs enables earlier detection and the collection of faecal samples, including from the environment. Testing sheep and goats may be particularly useful in young animals, where slaughter does not occur in regulated facilities, and where surveillance can be integrated into routine animal health programmes.