Seroprevalence and Epidemiological Overview of Human cystic Echinococcosis in Egypt

Background: Cystic echinococcosis (CE) or hydatidosis is a growing problem in Egypt with little information available on its accurate distribution and incidence. The aims of this study are to evaluation the prevalence of human CE using THAT, study the risk factors affected the disease distribution and through light on this problem in Egypt. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 500 adult people clinically suspected to have CE. All cases were examined radiologically (using US and/or CT) and serologically using the Indirect Hemagglutination Test (THAT) to confirm the disease. Histopathological examination after surgical intervention was done in some cases. Sociodemographic characters were studied using a structured questionnaire Written consent is obtained after an explanation of the search aim and idea. Results: The seroprevalence of CE was 5.4% using IHAT. Age and sex had no significant effect on the prevalence of CE (P >.05) whereas residence, bad social habits and dogs' exposure had a significant effect on it (P<.05). Conclusion: The prevalence of CE in Egypt is high and needs more attention, it has become gradually endemic in many parts. The IHAT test is a rapid, highly accurate, easy to perform and low-cost test for the diagnosis of CE. A combination of clinical, radiological, and serological diagnosis is a better method for hydatidosis diagnosis and confirmation.