The epidemiologic survey of operated patients with hydatid cyst in hospitals of North Khorasan province during 2010-2011

Background & Objectives: One of the most common parasitic diseases of humans and animals is hydatid cyst which is caused by larval stage of the parasite Echinococcus granulosus. The adult worm of this parasite lives in the intestine of dogs and canine, as an ultimate hosts and grazings have the major intermediate hosts' role .Humans as accidental mediator hosts are infected by eating and drinking foods contaminated with parasite eggs or through direct contact with infected dogs. Materials&Method: This is a cross-sectional study. Data were collected by census method. The collected data were recorded in a check list according to the patients' medical records. The data included demographic information (sex, age, occupation, place of residence) and related hydatidosis disease (affected limb and the number of cyst).Data were analyzed by SPSS software Results: A total of24 patients with hydatid cyst operated in Northern Khorasan province hospital during2010 to2011. 10 cases (41/7%) were male and14 (58/3%) were female.Most hydatid cysts were observed in the age group of 31-40 years (25%) and in the age group of below 10years(20/8%) respectively. The members involved in13 cases(54/2%) in the liver,10 cases (41/7%) in the lung and one case (4/2%) had cysts in liver and lung, respectively. Conclusion: Due to the abundance of stray dogs and animal husbandry in north khorasan province, training the ways of disease transmission, fighting stray dogs and cattle dogs 'treatment is recommended.