Sero-epidemiology of Hydatidosis Among General Population of Jolfa County, Northwestern Iran Using IHA, ELISA and Western Blot (2017-2018)

Background: Human hydatidosis is mostly a latent and neglected disease with known endemicity in Iran. Aims: Due to the importance of this infection in the country and its latent nature, we aimed to evaluate the serological status of hydatid cyst in northwestern Iran. Objectives: Herein, we evaluated the serological status of hydatid cyst in urban and rural inhabitants of Jolfa county, northwestern Iran during 2017-2018. Methods: In total, 1296 blood samples were obtained from human individuals and the presence of anti-E. granulosus antibodies was investigated using IHA, ELISA and WB. Results: Based on results, 25 IHA positive person were detected in the examined population, however ELISA test showed 14 of 25 IHA positive patients as negative. Also, 269 IHA negative fellows were shown as negative by ELISA. WB analysis of sera from 25 IHA positive subjects revealed consistent results with the ELISA test, and the most reactive SHCF Ag was a 37 KDa protein. The age-standardized seroprevalence of hydatidosis among Jolfa's general population was 1.12% with 95%CI: 1.02-1.20. Moreover, there existed a significant association between keeping/- contact with dogs (P = 0.022) as well as vegetable consumption (P < 0.001) with ELISA positive test results. Conclusion: Along with such serological evidence in this region, we highly suggest physical examination and applying imaging techniques for suspected cases in the area for a better understanding of CE.