Seroprevalence of Human Cystic Echinococcosis in Sanandaj City, Kurdistan Province, Western Iran

Abstract

Background and Aims: Echinococcus granulosus (E. granulosus) is a cestode parasite that causes cystic hydatid disease in humans worldwide. Iran is one of the endemic regions for infection that indicate the importance and presence of infection in this country. Therefore, the current research aimed to characterize the seroprevalence of human cystic echinococcosis in Sanandaj city, Kurdistan province, western Iran. Materials and methods: Totally, 500 serum samples were collected from patients referred to different health centers in Sanandaj city using cluster sampling in 2018-2019. All the sera were examined using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay test. Results: The seroprevalence of human hydatidosis was reported at 2.2% by ELISA test in Sanandaj city. This rate was 9 (1.9%) in women and 2 (0.4) in men. The age group of 20-30 years old had the highest positivity rate (1.0%). Also, the subjects that consumed home slaughtered meat had the highest infection rate at 4 (0.8%). There was no significant difference regarding factors studied such as sex, education, residence, consumed water, keeping a dog, and the seropositivity. Conclusions: Seroprevalence of human cystic echinococcosis in Sanandaj city is lower than the general prevalence in Iran. Our research team hopes to provide accurate data on the prevalence of hydatidosis in Sanandaj encourage more extensive research to help prevent this parasite in Iran and worldwide.