Nanobiosensors in the Future of Cystic Echinococcosis Control: A Systematic Review Within the One Health Framework

Abstract

Introduction: Cystic echinococcosis (CE) is a zoonotic parasitic disease of global public health and economic importance. Although previous studies have addressed the potential applications of nanotechnology in CE diagnosis and treatment, there is a clear research gap regarding the application of nanobiosensors for CE control, particularly from a “One Health” perspective. Therefore, this study aims to provide a detailed and focused systematic review of nanobiosensor-based diagnostic and monitoring approaches for the management of CE within a One Health framework.

Methods: This study used a systematic review and followed the PRISMA protocol. A comprehensive search of scientific articles was conducted between January 2020 and December 2025 in databases, including PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar, using combined keywords related to CE and nanobiosensors. Inclusion criteria were the experimental, clinical, veterinary or field-based investigations. The screening process of titles, abstracts, and full texts of articles were also performed. Duplicates were removed, and an assessment of the quality of the articles was performed; finally, 17 studies were included.

Results: Biosensing platforms based on gold, silver, carbon nanoparticles, and nanofibers, using antigenic and genetic markers of the parasite, were capable of detecting CE with a sensitivity range of 85 to 98% and a specificity range of 87 to 99%. Nano-enabled diagnostic systems enable the development of rapid, portable, and cost-effective diagnostic kits for use at veterinary, healthcare, and environmental monitoring levels. Nanobiosensors' application in drug resistance monitoring and in evaluating the effectiveness of control programs was also promising. However, significant challenges remain, including issues related to mass production, standardization, initial costs, and nanoparticle safety.

Conclusion: Nanobiosensors showed significant practical implications for the effective management of CE by enabling early detection, continuous monitoring in human and animal populations, and facilitating integrated disease control strategies within a One Health framework.