Abstract
Objective:
Hydatid cyst or cystic echincoccosis (CE) is an important medical and veterinary problem in the world, especially in Iran. Domestic intermediate hosts are a major reservoir for the disease in humans. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of hydatid cysts in slaughtered animals in Isfahan, central part of Iran.
Methods:
In this cross-sectional study performed from 10 May 2009 to 10 May 2010, a total of 196,325 animals (89,651 sheep, 93,050 goats, 9,112 cattle and 4,512 calves) were inspected macroscopically for hydatid cysts.
Results:
Prevalence rate of CE in sheep, goats, cattle and calf was 16.4%, 3.1%, 6.5% and 8.2%, respectively. In all cases, the prevalence in female cattle and sheep was more than in males (P<0.001). There are significant seasonal pattern for hydatidosis only in sheep (P<0.001) and the highest prevalence of cysts was seen in autumn and winter seasons. The fertility of cysts in the liver of sheep (77%) was higher than in lungs (47.9%), but was higher in lungs in cattle (44%). Most condemnation cases were seen in lung of sheep (27.1%).
Conclusion:
It appears that sheep are the most important intermediate hosts for E. granolusus in this area. (Turkiye Parazitol Derg 2013; 37: 102-6)
Keywords: Hydatid cyst, slaughtered animals, prevalence
