Human hydatidosis in Alborz Province: a 5-year retrospective epidemiological analysis of hospitalized cases (2014-2019)

Abstract

Hydatid cyst is a neglected zoonotic infection that is transmitted by the larval form of Echinococcus granulosus. It is widely distributed around the world and also it is endemic in many developing countries such as Iran. The aim of the current study is an assessment of the surgical cases in the general population of Alborz Province in Iran. The surgical cases of cystic echinococcosis were studied in the Educational and Therapeutic Centers or hospitals related to Alborz University of Medical Sciences from 2014 to 2019. Out of 26 records from patients with hydatid cyst surgery, 15 (57.7%) were female and 11 (42.3 %) were male. The age range was between 15-70 years old. The most infected organ was liver 21 (80.8%) followed by lungs 4 (15.4%) and one case of pelvic cyst 1 (3.8%). Based on residential status, 61.4% and 38.6% were living in rural and urban areas, respectively. The most and the least groups effected by hydatid cyst were housewives (38.46%) and employees (7.69%), accordingly. Twelve (46.15%) patients stated had a history of contact with dog. The prevalence of hydatid cyst in Alborz Province confirmed the importance of a proper protection plan against infection and it must be under control in main hosts. However, there is lack of data on status of parasitic infections in stray dogs in current region, as they play a key role in the transmission of the hydatid disease to humans.