Pattern of Human Hydatic Cyst in the Province of Yazd, Iran (2006-2011)

Background and Aims: Hydatidosis is a major health problem caused by larva stage of cestodes belonging to the genus Echinococcus granulosus with a cosmopolitan distribution. Zoonoses have a mountain side distribution in Iran. Echinococcus granulosus takes places in two models sylvatic and domestic. Both life-cycles are present in Iran and human is considered as an afferent host. The prevalence rate of hydatidosis is different, ranging from 1-220 cases in 100000 individuals and mortality rate of hydatidosis up to 2-4%. The aim of the present study was to explore the frequency of human hydatic cyst in Yazd province, Iran from 2006 to2011. Materials and Methods: This is a retrospective study applied through census for five years which investigated all of the profiles concerned with surgeries. Results: A total of 26911 surgeries were performed on individuals for five years 12 cases (0.045%) were infected with hydatic cyst out of which 9 cases (75%) were affected through liver, 1 case (33.34%) through pulmonary, 1 case (33.33%) through intestine and 1 case (33.33%) through cerebellum. 50% of the infected individuals were females. Morbidity age was 8-69 years, 7(66.67%) cases who were infected with Echinococcus granulosus were natives and 5 cases (33.33%) were non-natives. Among non-native individuals 2 cases were foreigners. Conclusions: Yazd province is a dry area and the desert cycle of Echinococcus granulosus is present in it. Jackals and wolves act as final hosts and goats and camels are the intermediated hosts. Based on the findings compared with those in other areas, the prevalence rate in these areas are similar requiring more control in using water, beverages, fruits and vegetables.