Seroprevalence of cystic echinococcosis in Iranian working children and a control group: a serosurvey with toxoplasmosis and toxocariasis

Echinococcosis is among the most significant zoonotic diseases globally, and is caused by different species of the genus Echinococcus . Data on the seroprevalence of the infection in children are scarce. In this research, the seroprevalence of Cystic Echinococcosis among working children and children in control group was assessed in Iran. Blood samples were collected from 364 children aged 7–14 years conducting work such as transportation, carpentry, agriculture, gardening, vegetable cultivation, cattle farming, and fruit picking outside school hours, and from 364 participants in a control group in Tehran, Iran. The IgG enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) test for Echinococcus granulosus was ultimately performed using the Nova Tec commercial ELISA kit. The seroprevalence of Echinococcus granulosus was 32 (8.8%) and 7 (1.9%) among working and control children, respectively. The seroprevalence of Echinococcus granulosus in working children was significantly higher than that in the control group. The results indicated a statistically significant increase in seroprevalence of Echinococcus granulosus among working children in contact with dogs compared to those who had none. Seroprevalence of Echinococcus granulosus IgG antibodies in working children with agricultural groups like growing vegetables and picking fruits 19(9.7%) and cattle farming 8(22.2%) were higher than in other occupations; these differences were statistically significant. In the present study, out of 32 Echinococcus granulosus -positive antibodies in working children, 26(81.3%) were positive for Echinococcus granulosus , 5(15.6%) were antibody positive for both Echinococcus granulosus and Toxoplasma gondii , and 1(3.1%) had antibodies positive against Echinococcus granulosus and Toxocara canis . In the control group, 6 (85.7%) tested positive solely for Echinococcus granulosus , while 1 (14.3%) was positive for both Echinococcus granulosus and Toxoplasma gondii . A notably elevated rate of Echinococcus granulosus seropositivity was observed in working children related to their occupation compared to the control group. Additionally, it is important to mention coinfection with other parasites, including toxoplasmosis and toxocariasis. The results indicate that echinococcosis poses a significant health issue for children, particularly working children. Considering the multiple cases of hydatid cyst disease in Tehran, it appears essential to implement health programs aimed at managing this parasitic infection.