The serological study of cystic echinococcosis and assessment of surgical cases during 5 years (2007-2011) in Khorram Abad, Iran.

BACKGROUND Echinococcus granulosus is a cestode whose larval stage causes cystic echinococcosis in wild animals, livestock, and human. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study is to highlight the seroepidemiology of E. granulosus infection and surgical cases in the general population of Khorram Abad district, southwest of Iran. MATERIALS AND METHODS Anti-E. granulosus antibodies were tested in 617 inhabitants in Khorram Abad by enzyme-linked immunoassay and antigen B. The surgical cases of cystic echinococcosis were investigated in Shohaday-e-Ashayer Hospital of Khorram Abad (as a referral center) from 2007 to 2011. RESULTS In total, 95 (15.4%) of the 617 participants (mean age 39.6 ± 17.6 years) had anti-E. granulosus antibodies. Prevalence of infection was more in males (60%) than females (40%), and showed statistical significance (P < 0.001). High-titer antibodies were most prevalent among the subjects aged 20-29 years. There was significant association between the presence of Echinococcus antibodies and the sector of residence, education of volunteers, and occupation (P < 0.05). According to hospital records, 58 cystic echinococcosis cases were referred to the hospital during the 5 years. Among the cases, 28 (48.3%) were men and 30 (51.7%) were women. They were between 4 and 74 years of age (36.6 ± 18.9 years). The liver was the organ where most of the hydatid cysts (51.7%) were located, followed by lungs (20.7%). CONCLUSION This is the first report of the seroprevalence and contributing factors for E. granulosus infection in the general population in Khorram Abad. The findings confirm the importance of diagnosing human cystic echinococcosis in these regions, given the prevalence rates of surgical cases during the last 5 years, and need further evaluation of the risk factors present.