Prevalence of Echinococcus granulosus detected using enzyme immunoassay and abdominal ultrasonography in a group of students staying in a state dormitory in Turkey

Aim: In this study our aim was to analyse the seroprevalence of cystic echinococcosis and prevalence of lesions (with abdominal ultrasonography) in a group Of Young adult university students staying in a state dormitory in Bornova, Izmir, Turkey. Materials and methods: The study group was consisted of 750 students (360 women, 390 men, mean age 20.92 +/- 1.82 years, min 17, max 29). Informed written consent was obtained from each Student and they were requested to fill a questionnaire form (sociocultural and economic condition, area of living, and demographic data). Blood sampling was performed by intravenous puncture and sera were obtained after centrifugation. Anti-E. granulosus antibodies were detected using enzyme immune assay (ETA). All participants were given an appointment for abdominal Ultrasonography. Results: Of the 750 students, 99 (13.2%) were seropositive for anti-E. granulosus Ig G. A total of 250 Students (49 seropositive and 201 seronegative) were performed abdominal ultrasonography. Of the 250 Students, 2 (1 in liver and 1 in kidney, both seropositive) had cystic lesions and were referred to surgery. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that cystic echinococcosis is prevalent in Turkey. Epidemiologic studies combining ETA and abdominal ultrasonography are warranted.