ABSTRACT

This study was conducted to contribute to the information regarding the spread of cystic echinococcosis (CE) in our country and to reveal its importance in our region by determining the spread of CE in people.

CE cases, which were detected by retrospectively reviewing the records at Kars State Hospital in Kars between 2009 and 2013, were evaluated in terms of age group, gender, and organ involvement. For features, descriptive statistics were stated in numbers and percentages.

According to the obtained results, in total, 168 CE cases were specified. While female patients constitute 101 cases (60.1%), male patients constitute the remaining (39.9%). Their distribution was specified between the ages of 3 and 79 years, and it was ascertained that the cases were mostly between the age groups of 16 and 30 years at the rate of 26.8%. The second most frequent age group was between 31 and 45 years at the rate of 25.6%. CE was mostly seen in the lung (49.4%) and liver (44.6%). Additionally, 10 patients with CE in both the lung and liver were ascertained.

It is seen that CE is an important public health problem in Kars. Extensive protection and control programs should be implemented against this disease. (Turkiye Parazitol Derg 2015; 39: 108-11)

Keywords: Cystic echinococcosis, retrospective research, Kars, Turkey