Evaluation of the seropositivity of patients with cystic echinococcosis in Konya, Turkey

Abstract

Aim: Diagnosis of echinococcosis is based on clinical symptoms, imaging techniques and particularly on the detection of specific antibodies in serum specimens of patients. The aim of this study is retrospective evaluation of seropositivity from patients who is diagnosed as Cystic echinococcosis. Materials and Methods: In this study, the blood serum samples of patients, which were sent to the Medical Microbiology Laboratory from several clinics of the Selcuk University Medical Faculty Hospital between 01 January 2015- 01 July 2020, were evaluated in terms of Cystic echinococcosis by using indirect hemaglutination test. The results were evaluated with a cut off titer ≥160 of as recommended by the manufacturer. Results were evaluated by gender and ages. Results: Cystic echinococcosis (CE) was determined to be seropositive 332 (21.6%) of 1543 patient samples. Seropositivity was found in 226 (14,7%) of 933 female patients and in 106 (6,9%) of 610 male patients. Seropositivity was mostly seen in 21-40 age group. Conclusion: While there have been a number of animal studies, little information is available about the prevalence of Cystic echinococcosis in humans in Turkey. Cystic echinococcosis continues to be a majör public health problem in the Konya province. Large scale prevention and control programs should be implemented against this disease.