Determination of Factors Affecting Human Transmission of Echinococcus granulosus Parasite: A Case-control Study, Turkey.

OBJECTIVE

Through this study we aimed to determine the risk factors affecting the transmission of Echinococcus granulosus to humans.

METHODS

This case-control study included a study group comprising of 107 people who underwent surgery for hydatid cyst and a control group comprising of 107 people. Place of living, age, and sex were taken as matching factors. A chi-square analysis was used for paired comparisons in the study. The variables that were significantly related in paired comparisons were included in the logistic regression analysis.

RESULTS

Hydatid cyst disease was seen 3.661 [confidence interval (CI) =1.650-8.123] times more often in individuals with an education period of 11 years or less compared to those with 12 years or above, 3.427 (CI=1.470-7.991) times more in those with a toilet outside the house compared to those with a toilet inside the house, and 5.540 (CI=2.088-14.697) times more in individuals who took a shower 8 times a month or less compared to those who take a shower 9 times or more.

CONCLUSION

Individuals with a low level of education and who do not pay attention to environmental and personal hygiene are at risk for hydatid cyst disease.