Seroprevalence of Human Hydatidosis and Survey of Risk Factors in Rural Areas of Qaemshahr, Iran 2019

Hydatidosis is one of the most prevalent zoonotic diseases around the world that is endemic in Iran too. In rural areas, there is a higher risk of infection. To the best of our knowledge, no study was done on seroprevalence of hydatidosis in Qaemshahr, north of Iran, so, we aimed to investigate this condition and its risk factors in patients attending Qaemshahr rural health centers using ELISA method.

A total of 403 serum samples were collected. The participants completed a researcher-made questionnaire. Then, anti-echinococcus granulosus antibody was analyzed using ELISA method. Data analysis was done applying logistic regression in SPSS V24.

Eleven cases (2.73%) were found positive for anti-echinococcus granulosus antibody. There were no significant differences between seropositivity and gender, consumption of raw vegetable, non-chlorinated water and contact with dog and soil (P>0.05), but significant relationships were seen between anti-echinococcus granulosus antibody and abdominal pain and consumption of wild vegetables (P< 0.05).

In this study, the prevalence of hydatidosis was similar to other parts of Iran. Further studies considering lifestyle and other variables are suggested in all areas of Mazandaran province with similar climate to Qaemshahr.