Investigation of Seroprevalence of Hydatidosis in High-risk Individuals in Sistan and Baluchestan Province, Southeast of Iran

Hydatidosis is known as one of the most prevalent zoonotic diseases across the world. This complication is also endemic in Iran, followed by a higher risk of infection in rural areas. To our knowledge, there has been no study on the seroprevalence of hydatidosis in Sistan and Baluchistan Province, Southeast of Iran. The main objective of the current study was to examine the seroprevalence of hydatidosis and its risk factors in high-risk individuals (farmers and ranchers) living in Sistan and Baluchistan Province.

This study included 500 serum samples, and the participants were requested to complete a researcher-made questionnaire. Subsequently, counter-current immunoelectrophoresis (CCIEP) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) methods were employed to analyze the anti-Echinococcus granulosus antibody. The analysis of the obtained data was conducted by logistic regression in SPSS software, version 22.

According to the results, four (0.8%) cases were found positive for anti-E. granulosus antibody by both CCIEP and ELISA tests. Seroprevalence of hydatidosis was more in rural people, compared to those in urban areas. It was also higher in illiterate people than in educated people. Nevertheless, seropositivity showed no significant differences with age, gender, occupational status, education level, place of residence, and contact with dogs (P>0.05).

The prevalence rate of hydatidosis in Sistan and Baluchistan Province was similar to that in neighboring provinces. According to the findings, high-risk individuals offer remarkable information about the epidemiology of hydatidosis in Sistan and Baluchistan province in southeastern Iran. This could help to manage and prevent this infection.