Seroprevalence and Risk Factors Associated With Human Cystic Echinococcosis in Baneh, West of Iran

Abstract

Background: Cystic echinococcosis (CE) is a zoonotic helminth infection that has great health and economic importance worldwide. Iran is considered one of the endemic areas of this parasitic infection. The aim of this study was to determine the seroprevalence and risk factors of human CE in Baneh, west of Iran. Methods: From March to May 2022, 460 individuals who attended health centers in Baneh were tested for the anti-Echinococcus immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibody by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The data were analyzed by Chi-square and binary logistic regression tests. Results: Fourteen (3.04%) participants (95% CI: 1.49–4.59%) had the anti-Echinococcus IgG antibody. The average (±standard deviation) age of participants was 40.9 (16.8) years, and most of them belonged to the age group of 35–49 years (33.9%) with the highest rate of infection (4.5%). In terms of other demographic variables, seropositivity to CE was higher in women (3.8%) and people who lived in rural areas (5.1%), were housewives (3.6%), and were illiterate (4%) (P>0.05). Binary logistic regression analysis revealed that only keeping dogs at home was a risk factor for CE (adjusted odds ratio: 31.407; 95% CI: 5.343–184.590%; P<0.001). Conclusion: Direct contact with dogs is the main method of CE transmission. Therefore, public health education and the deworming of dogs can be effective in preventing and controlling CE.