Sero-Epidemiological Study of Human Hydatidosis in Semnan and Sorkheh, Semnan Province, Iran

To determine the seroprevalence of human cystic echinococcosis/hydatidosis which is one of the most important zoonotic diseases by ELISA using native antigen B in Semnan and Sorkheh, Semnan province, Iran, where no significant information about human infection exists.

Overall, 957 human serum samples were randomly prepared from Semnan, Sorkheh, and its 13 surrounding villages in different seasons from 2017 to 2018. Antigen B was prepared from native hydatid cyst fluid of domestic sheep. All serum samples were evaluated by ELISA while the suspected cases were rechecked. The cut-off was calculated as the X̄±2SD.

Overall, 48(5%) out of 957 (422 males and 535 females) were positive for hydatidosis. The seropositivity based on sex showed 20(2.1%) out of 422 in males and 28(2.9%) out of 535 in females. The distribution of seropositive samples based on residence area showed 41 (4.3) out of 882 in urban and 7 (0.7) out of 75 in rural areas. The highest seroprevalence cases was among housewives (2.1%) followed by employers (1.5%). Based on education, source of drinking water, and age groups the highest seropositivity was observed in high school and less, in the plumping water consumers, and 50 to 59 yr old age group, respectively. There was a significant difference between seropositivity with occupation, literacy, and age group (P<0.05). Semnan with 4% seropositivity had the highest prevalence followed by Sorkheh, county.

High prevalence of the disease in this area emphasizes the importance of increasing people's awareness about hydatidosis.