Demographic Aspects of Human Hydatidosis in Egypt

Abstract

Background: Cystic echinococcosis or hydatidosis is caused by the larval stage of the tapeworm Echinococcus granulosus. It is one of the most important parasitic zoonoses. Objective: The aim of the work wasto determine the prevalence of the disease in humans and its clinical presentation, also targeted to identify risk factors predisposing infections. Subjects and Methods:Thirty-one cystic echinococcosis cases were collected to determine the presence of hydatid cysts in human.Confirmation of hydatid cyst infection was done by radiological assessment and direct parasitological detection of hydatid cyst through PAIR technique or pathological confirmation of surgical removal cyst. A questionnaire survey to identify risk factors of transmission was also carried out. Results:The highest percent of infection with hydatid cyst was in age group 21-30 years (29.04%), followed by age group 31-40 years and 41-50 years that attained (25.81%) for each. Females attained the higher percent of infection (58.06%) in comparison to males (41.94 %).The highest percent of cystic echinococcosis was recorded for farmers (32.26 %) followed by housewives (29.03%). 67.75 % of cystic echinococcosiswas for rural resident and (32.25%) was for urban resident. Conclusion: It could be concluded that hydatid disease is still an endemic problem and is a course of challenge to all the medical practitioners. The study has established that hydatidosis is prevalent in humans in Egypt and that the risk factors for its transmission exist.