Serological survey of Echinococcus granulosus in nomads of southwest Iran using the ELISA method during 2014-15

Echinococcosis is one of the diseases common to humans and animals worldwide and its metacestode form Echinococcus granulosus is the cause of disease. Diagnosis based on clinical symptoms is a problem. However, using serological methods such as ELISA, specific antibodies can be determined. Based on the medical and economic importance of the disease, this study aimed to undertake a serological survey of human echinococcosis in Behbahan nomads using the ELISA method during 2014-15. In a descriptive study, 180 blood samples were collected and analysed from the tribes in the four geographic regions of Behbahan city. The obtained sera were assessed for the presence of IgG antibodies against hydatid cyst. Demographic data were collected using a questionnaire and the results were analysed by SPSS software. In all, 175 persons (97.2%) tested negative while five (2.8%) were positive. The most frequent was in people over 50 years with three persons (1.7%). In the 40-50 years age group, two subjects (1.1%) tested positive. 62 (34.4%) of the subjects were female and 118 (65.6%) were male, among which four men (2.2%) and one woman (0.6%) were infected. Overall, the most infected were men. Of the infected persons, three lived in the East, one in the South and one in the West of the city. All subjects had a history of contact with dogs. According to the results of this study, the prevalence was high in the area and therefore disease control programmes are recommended.