Journal of Occupational
Health and Epidemiology
Rafsanjan university Of medical sciences
Volume 15, Issue 1 (Winter 2026)
J Occup Health Epidemiol 2026, 15(1): 5-12 |
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Masoumi Koushk mehdi A, Karami S, Sadat Firouzeh F, Nazeri M, Gharibi M, Shiee M R. Seroepidemiology of Hydatid Cyst in Rural Areas of Kashan City in 2024. J Occup Health Epidemiol 2026; 15 (1) :5-12
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Abolfazl Masoumi Koushk mehdi1 
, Sina Karami2 , Farhat Sadat Firouzeh3 , Mahdi Nazeri4 , Maryam Gharibi5 , Mohammad Reza Shiee *6
, Sina Karami2 , Farhat Sadat Firouzeh3 , Mahdi Nazeri4 , Maryam Gharibi5 , Mohammad Reza Shiee *6
1- M.Sc. in Medical Parasitology, Student Research Committee, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran & M.Sc. in Medical Parasitology, Dept. of Medical Parasitology, School of Medicine, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran.
2- B.Sc. in Clinical Laboratory, Student Research Committee, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran
3- B.Sc. in Clinical Laboratory, Student Research Committee, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran.
4- Associate Prof., Dept. of Medical Parasitology, School of Medicine, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran. & Associate Prof., Infectious Diseases Research Center, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran.
5- M.Sc. Student in Medical Parasitology, Student Research Committee, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran. & M.Sc. Student in Medical Parasitology, Dept. of Medical Parasitology, School of Medicine, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran.
6- Assistant Prof., Infectious Diseases Research Center, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran. ,Msh2006ir@yahoo.com
2- B.Sc. in Clinical Laboratory, Student Research Committee, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran
3- B.Sc. in Clinical Laboratory, Student Research Committee, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran.
4- Associate Prof., Dept. of Medical Parasitology, School of Medicine, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran. & Associate Prof., Infectious Diseases Research Center, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran.
5- M.Sc. Student in Medical Parasitology, Student Research Committee, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran. & M.Sc. Student in Medical Parasitology, Dept. of Medical Parasitology, School of Medicine, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran.
6- Assistant Prof., Infectious Diseases Research Center, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran. ,
Article history
Received: 2025/06/10
Accepted: 2025/09/8
ePublished: 2026/03/30
Accepted: 2025/09/8
ePublished: 2026/03/30
Subject:
Epidemiology
Abstract: (10 Views)
Background: Hydatid cyst is considered a significant zoonotic disease in many countries worldwide, including Iran. This disease, caused by the parasite Echinococcus granulosus, can result in serious health and economic problems. The aim of this study was to explore the seroprevalence of hydatid cyst and its associated risk factors in rural areas of Kashan in 2024.
Materials and Methods: This seroprevalence survey was undertaken on 280 residents of rural areas in Kashan. Blood samples were collected from individuals and tested them for antibodies against Echinococcus granulosus using an Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay. Demographic data, as well as data on some associated risk factors, were collected using the study checklist, and the chi-square test was used to compare groups.
Results: The results revealed that 98.2% of the samples had a negative result, 1.4% were suspected, and 0.4% were positive. No statistically significant associations were observed between demographic variables, including gender, occupation, education level, consumption of raw vegetables, and vegetable washing methods, and the seroprevalence of hydatid cyst (p > 0.05).
Conclusion: According to this study, hydatid cysts are relatively rare in Kashan's rural areas. Nevertheless, contact with dogs was identified as a potential risk factor. Conducting complementary studies with a larger sample size and examining other environmental and lifestyle factors are recommended. Further, implementing educational programs to lower contact with infected dogs and improve food washing methods can be effective in preventing this disease.
Materials and Methods: This seroprevalence survey was undertaken on 280 residents of rural areas in Kashan. Blood samples were collected from individuals and tested them for antibodies against Echinococcus granulosus using an Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay. Demographic data, as well as data on some associated risk factors, were collected using the study checklist, and the chi-square test was used to compare groups.
Results: The results revealed that 98.2% of the samples had a negative result, 1.4% were suspected, and 0.4% were positive. No statistically significant associations were observed between demographic variables, including gender, occupation, education level, consumption of raw vegetables, and vegetable washing methods, and the seroprevalence of hydatid cyst (p > 0.05).
Conclusion: According to this study, hydatid cysts are relatively rare in Kashan's rural areas. Nevertheless, contact with dogs was identified as a potential risk factor. Conducting complementary studies with a larger sample size and examining other environmental and lifestyle factors are recommended. Further, implementing educational programs to lower contact with infected dogs and improve food washing methods can be effective in preventing this disease.
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