Epidemiological Study of Human Operated Hydatid Cysts during 2004-2011 in Lorestan Province

Human hydatidosis caused by ingestion of food contaminated by dog faeces containing the Echinococcus eggs, or direct contact with dogs. Surgery is the most essential way of treating this disease. The aim of this study was to determine the epidemiological status of hydatidosis in patients referred to hospitals in Lorestan Province from Khorramabad and other cities of this Province, from 2004 to 2011. In a descriptive retrospective study, information about patients infected with hydatid cyst who were hospitalized during 2004-2011 was retrieved from archives. Collected data were analyzed statistically. During 2004 -2011, from the total of 134 patients infected with hydatid cyst, 77 persons were female and 57 persons were male. The number of recorded operations was 112 persons. The highest rate of infection was recorded in the 20-30 years old patients (26%), followed by the 30-40 years old patients (23%), and 60- years old and above patients (19%). The highest number of infections occurred in 2010 (21%); followed by that of 2011 (20%). Most of the cysts (69%) were found in the liver, and in 7 cases (5.1%), in addition to the liver, the other organs were infected. Considering that there has been no desirable decrease in human hydatid cysts in Iran, it is suggested that educational programs, supervision of slaughtering of domestic animals, and euthanizing stray dogs should be carried out.