Echinococcus contamination ratio and its related risk factors in Moghan plain, northwest of Iran

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Alveolar and cystic echinococcosis (AE and CE) are caused by the larval stages of Echinococcus multilocularis and Echinococcus granulosus, respectively. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of human AE and CE diseases among the tribes, livestock breeders, and farmers in Moghan plain, northwest of Iran. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Screening of hydatid cystic fluid antigen (HCF-Ag) was done by enzyme-linked immunosorbent (ELISA) kit. Briefly, HCF-Ag was collected, and the prevalence of the disease was evaluated using specific antigens for AE and CE (Ag-5, Ag-B, and Em2(+)) and questionnaires. A total of 2453 serum samples were randomly collected from normal populations of five different areas of Moghan plain. The serology was evaluated using ELISA kit and specific antigens for AE and CE. RESULTS: Of the 2453 serum samples, 36 were positive for AE (1.46%). The infection rate was higher in males than females (1.94% vs. 0.94%). The age group of 4–19 years had the lowest and 40–59 years had the highest infection rate (0.2% vs. 2.5%). Among CE-positive serum samples, 178 samples were positive to Ag-5 (7.3%) and 167 samples were positive to Ag-B (6.8%). CONCLUSION: Our findings showed that the highest infection rates were in the Borran and Eivazlou regions, and the lowest level of infection was for Parsabad area of Moghan plain. In areas with higher contamination, the risk factors associated with CE and AE were the water quality, the method of washing vegetables, and occupational and hydatid disease knowledge of the inhabitants.