Cystic echinococcosis is an occupational disease?

Cystic echinococcosis (CE) is considered as an occupational infection and among different careers greengroceries have a close contact with raw vegetables which can transmit eggs of Echinococcus granulosus. Therefore, the objective of this survey was to determine the seroprevalence of CE among greengroceries using ELISA test in Mazandaran and Gilan Provinces, northern Iran. Overall, 160 serum samples (60 male and 100 female) were collected from greengroceries in Mazandaran and Gilan Provinces, 2012. Sera were surveyed employing ELISA assay for diagnosis of CE. In addition, before sampling, a questionnaire was filled out for each subject. Seropositivity was 2.4 % (four cases) and females 1.8 % (three cases) were more positive compared to males 0.8 % (one case). Age group of 40–60 years encompassed the highest rate of positivity (1.8 %) and the least rate was in 20–40 years old age group (0 %). Besides, 1.8 % of seropositive subjects were dog owner, unaware of the disease and lives in rural areas. In conclusion, seroprevalence of cystic hydatid disease among greengroceries is relatively high in Mazandaran and Gilan Provinces. More continuous serological researches and preventive measures should be taken into consideration owing to the significance of the disease. © 2014, Indian Society for Parasitology.