Detection of the cystic echinococcosis prevelance by portable ultrasound and investigating the risk factors in primary school children (between 7-14 ages) in Elazig

The tapeworm Echinococcus granulosus presents a major public health concern, since its larval stage causes the life-threatening zoonotic disease called cystic echinococcosis (CE) in many parts of the world.The purpose of this study was to performe an epidemiological province-based field study using portable US using sampling method in a province, with the aim of investigating the prevalence and risk factors of CE in primary school children in Elazig and the vicinity. Another aim was to treat the infected cases and give information to all the children about CE.The present survey was conducted on a representative sample of primary school children aged 7?14 years in Elazig and the vicinity. A convex transducer linked portable US (3.5 MHz) were used for the scanning of the upper abdomen. The students were scanned by portable US by one experienced radiologist, while standing, with special attention to the liver, spleen, pancreas, and kidneys. A questionnaire was administered to the children with the assistance of the teachers about the sociodemographic and risk factors possibly related with CE. All data were analyzed using SPSS 15.0 statistical package for Windows. During the statistical analysis, Fischer?s exact test and chi square tests were used where appropriate.A total of 2500 children, aged between 7?14 years, were examined for CE and a questionnaire was administered to the children and 2314 children brought back the questionnaire. Of these children 1098 (47.5%) were from 6 schools in urban and 1216 (52.5%) were from 6 schools in rural areas. According to sex, 1217 male and 1097 female were examined. Five children (0.2%) were diagnosed with CE, of which four were in rural and one was in urban. Three liver and two right kidney involvement were found at the diagnosed children. Another student from rural who previously operated was detected as lung CE according to questionnaire. Hence, the total prevalence was determined as 0.24%. Of the six student with CE two were 10, one was 13 and three were 14 years old. Besides, two cases were female and others four were female. All cases were followed and found to be positive by serology (IHA). One case with liver cyst was treated with PAIR (puncture, aspiration, injection, and re-aspiration) technique and chemoterapy including albendazole treatment, while the other two cases with liver cyst and previously operated case were given chemotherapy. Two cases with kidney cysts were given periodic control.In conclusion, CE prevalence was found to be 0.24% in primary school children, and due to the increase in the prevalence with age, the infection is thought to be an important public health problem in Elazig and the vicinity. It is also recommended the foci of the infection should be targeted and a control program should be performed in these regions. Physicians, veterinarians, politicians, and the leaders of the communities should participate in this program comprising treating infected cases, education of the community, stopping uncontrolled home slaughtering of livestock, preventing the dogs feeding with infected viscera and controlling the stray dogs.