Clinical and Demographic Features of Patients with Hydatid Cyst Admitted in Kerman University Hospitals between 1991-2000

Abstract

Introduction: Hydatidosis or hydatid cyst, caused by the larvae of Echinococcus granulosus, is one of the most serious cestode infections occurring in man and livestocks in Iran. The present study was carried out in order to determine the frequency distribution of patients with hydatid cyst in the city of Kerman based on clinical and demographic features. Method: Medical files of 60 patients with the diagnosis of hydatid cyst (between 1991-2000) undergoing surgical operations in Kerman University Hospitals were studied. Results: From all 60 patients with hydatid cyst, 29 were female (48.4%) and 31(51.6%) were male. The highest frequency rate was among housewife females (69%) and then male farmers (22.5%). Considering age, the highest frequency was observed in the age group of 21-30 years. In regard to the infection location, liver (50%) and lungs (43.3%) were the most affected organs, respectively. The most common clinical symptoms were abdominal pain and cough respectively. Most of the patients were living in rural areas (63. 3%). Conclusion: Considering the high frequency of hydatid cyst in the age group of 21 to 30 years old, in farmers housewives and farmers living in rural areas, designing control programs with emphasize on peoples' training, surveillance of slaughterhouses, elimination of stray dogs and treatment of infected pets and sheep dogs is recommended.