[Epidemiological profile of echinococcosis in Morocco from 1980 to 2008]

Abstract

The aim of this study was to analyze the epidemiology and evolution of hydatidosis in Morocco. This is a descriptive and retrospective study over a period ranging from 1980 to 2008. The patient data were collected from the epidemiological bulletin issued by the Department of Epidemiology and Fight against Disease that report all cases operated for hydatidosis between 1980 and 1992, and from the annual reports of parasitic diseases published annually by the same department between 2003 and 2008. We identified 23512 cases of hydatidosis with an annual increase in the number of cases and their incidence. Hydatidosis is present on any area of Morocco, with an uneven distribution from one region to the other. It is mostly observed in patients from rural areas and a predominance of female cases is observed throughout the period of study (sex ratio M/F = 0.66). All age groups are affected with a predominance of young adults. The liver is the organ most affected followed by the location of lung. These results show that hydatidosis remains a major public health problem in Morocco. Continuous monitoring of the epidemiological situation is essential to assess the measures implemented to fight against this infection and to allow rehabilitation and adjustment of these measures in order to reduce the incidence of this disease.