Prevalence of Echnococcus 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, meanage 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- antibodies were detected using enzyme immune assay (EIA). All participants were given an appointment for abdominal ultrasonography. Results: Of the 750 students, 99 (13.2%) were seropositive for anti- 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 EIA and abdominal ultrasonography are warranted.