Seroprevalence of Human Cystic Echinococcosis and Risk Factors in Nahavand, Hamadan, Western Iran

Background: Hydatid cyst is a global infectious disease caused by the larval stage of Echinococcus granulosus. The annual incidence of human cystic echinococcosis (CE) in Iran varies from 0 to 61 in 100,000 cases, depending on geographical conditions, epidemiological factors, and diagnostic methods. Studies showed that E. granulosus infection is one of the most important health problems in most parts of the country. Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted on 400 cases referring to Shahid Ghodoosi and Shahid Alimoradi hospital laboratories in Nahavand, Hamadan, Western Iran. IgG antibodies against hydatid cysts were evaluated by the commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kit, and socio-demographic data were collected using a questionnaire. Then, data were statistically analyzed by SPSS software. Results: Out of 400 subjects in this study, five (1.25%) were positive for CE IgG antibodies by the ELISA method. Two (40%) females and three (60%) males were reported positive for CE IgG via the ELISA Hydatid test. Rural residents consisted of the majority of positive cases (80%). Nearly all of the hydatid-infected subjects were categorized in the age group above 50. Moreover, housewives and self-employed businesses were identified as the two occupations with the highest antibody titers against E. granulosus. In addition, no significant statistical difference was observed in variables. Conclusion: Although the frequency of hydatid cyst infection in Nahavand is lower than the average proportion confirmed by previous studies in the country, due to the numerous records of hydatid cyst disease in the region, the establishment of health programs is regarded essential to control this parasitic infection.