Objective: This study aims to evaluate the serological, radiological and epidemiological analysis of suspected cystic echinococcosis patients, and to assess the positivity rate in the region.
Methods: The retrospective study was conducted at Bursa Uludag University Hospital, Turkey and comprised data from January 2009 to December 2017 related to patients of either gender with suspected cystic echinococcosis who underwent indirect haemagglutination testing. Demographic and clinical data of patients who tested positive were analysed. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS 23.
Results: Of the 3910 patients with a mean age of 41.6±19.35 years (range: 0-93 years) who underwent indirect haemagglutination testing, 692(17.7%) tested positive; 390(56.4%) females, and 302(43.6%) males. The highest seropositivity rate 107(15.5%) was observed in 2011, followed by 104(15%) in 2016. Seropositive cases were predominantly seen in those aged 40-49 years 131 (18.9%), followed by those aged 50-59 years 124 (17.9%).
Conclusions: Cystic echinococcosis was found to be a public health problem in South Marmara region of Turkey.
Keywords: Echinococcus granulosus, Cystic echinococcosis, Indirect haemagglutination, Seroprevalence..