Seroprevalence of hydatidosis in the referrals to comprehensive health service centers in Borujerd city in 2020

Background: Hydatidosis is one of the most common zoonotic parasitic diseases in the world, which is also endemic in Iran. Because no seroprevalence study of Hydatidosis has been conducted in Borujerd, this study was conducted with the aim of investigating the seroprevalence of hydatidosis and its associated risk factors among individuals attending comprehensive health centers in Borujerd, Iran, using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method. Materials and Methods: This descriptive-cross-sectional study was conducted on 351 serum samples from individuals attending comprehensive health centers in Borujerd city. After obtaining informed consent and completing a questionnaire, blood samples were collected, and the presence of anti-Echinococcus granulosus IgG antibody was detected by ELISA method. Data were analyzed using chi-square and Fisher's exact tests. Results: The findings indicated that 14 out of 351 subjects tested were positive for anti-Echinococcus antibodies, with seropositivity rates of 5.1% in men and 2.8% in women. No significant associations were observed between the presence of anti-Echinococcus antibodies and variables such as age, gender, education level, occupation, place of residence, contact with dogs, and vegetable washing practices. Conclusion: The results highlighted a notable seroprevalence of hydatidosis in Borujerd (4%), which is higher than the average of infection rate in the west of Iran. Considering the endemicity of the disease in this region and also its health importance, taking necessary measures, including hygienic slaughter of livestock, prevention of feeding dogs with contaminated intestines and viscera, and collecting stray dogs in order to control and prevent this parasitic infection.