Seroprevalence of hydatid cyst and related risk factors in humans referred to urban health centers of Zahedan city, southeast Iran

Abstract

Abstract Introduction Cystic echinococcosis (CE) or hydatidosis is one of the most common diseases between humans and livestock that humans are considered as an accidental host. This disease has spread globally, especially in the Mediterranean region, including Iran. To the best of our knowledge, no specific research has been conducted to investigate the epidemiological status of this disease in Zahedan, Sistan and Baluchestan Province, Iran. Therefore, this study was performed to achieve that aim for the first time. Methods A cross-sectional study was performed to evaluate the seroprevalence of hydatid cyst among patients (n = 773) referring to Zahedan health centers within 2019–2020. Zahedan health centers were classified into five geographical regions. The sampling process from each area was conducted using a simple randomized cluster method. The correlation between seropositivity and risk factors was evaluated using the Chi-square test. Results The seroprevalence of hydatid cyst in Zahedan city was estimated at 3.6% (28 out of 773 samples). It was found that females were affected by this infection more than males, and the highest hydatid cyst seroprevalence rate was revealed in the age group of 31–50 years and the northeastern area of Zahedan. Although age, gender, vegetable consumption, soil contact had no significant influence on the risk of CE infection (P-value>0.05), the relationship of keeping dogs in the household and the presence of stray dogs in a living environment with seropositivity to CE was significant (P-value Conclusion The findings of this study showed that human hydatid cyst was common in Zahedan. Therefore, the implementation of preventive and hygienic principles, especially the presence of dogs in the household or stray dogs in the environment, should be a priority. Moreover, the various epidemiological aspects of this disease in Zahedan city should be taken into consideration.