ABSTRACT

It has been reported that some occupation groups constitute a higher risk group with regard to hydatid cyst disease. Municipal garbage men also are under this risk especially in those places where untamed dogs are abundant. The aim of this study was to analyze the anti-Echinococcus antibodies in garbage men in Malatya who are regarded as high risk-group with regard to hydatid cysts. Two hundred and forty serum specimens were collected and were later analyzed with the manual indirect hemagglutination technique (IHAT) and indirect immunofluorescent technique (IFAT). Of these sera 17 (7.08%) were found to be seropositive. Garbage men who were found to be seropositive were examined for intestinal parasites using the cellophane type technique, native Lugol and sedimentation methods. It was found that the group members giving seropositive results were free of parasites such as Taenia saginata and Hymenolepis nana which may lead to cross reaction with Echinococcus granulosus. The garbage men were informed about the results of the examination and were oriented for further examinations. The seropositive rate of 7.08% found in this study is supports the view that the garbage men should be regarded as a risk group. In order to inform all garbage men about means of protection, training seminar were organized.