Work

Seroprevalence of IgG Antibodies against Echinococcus granulosus in the Population of the Region of Thessaly, Central Greece

Year: 2012

Type: article

Abstract: Echinococcosis notification rate in Greece, based on the most recent data, is below 0.25 per 100,000 population. To further investigate the epidemiology of echinococcosis in Greece a study was designed to determine the seroprevalence of Echinococcus granulosus antibodies in the population of Thessaly, Central Greece. Five hundred and forty two left over blood samples in Thessaly laboratories, were collected using a stratified convenient sampling procedure. Samples were analyzed with enzyme linked immunosorbent assay. The seropositivity found was 1.1%(95% C.I., 0.5-2.5), with 5 out of 6 seropositive results to be in the age group of over 65 (OR = 17.95, 95%CI 2.04-157.11, p value 0.009). Rural residence was also found as a risk factor to seropositivity (RR = 7.60, 95% CI 0.89-64.64, p value 0.039). Surveillance data and our study results converge that echinococcosis is being reduced in Greece, with older population to be affected mostly. These might be due to the disease transmission restriction, by the control measures being implemented. Efforts should be continued, in both animals and humans side, by increasing training campaigns and public awareness.

Source: PLoS ONE

DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0037112

Authors: Vasilios Fotiou, Eleni Malissiova, Anastasios Minas, Efthimia Petinaki, Christos Hadjichristodoulou

Institutions: University of Thessaly, Technological Educational Institute of Thessaly, University Hospital of Larissa, General Hospital of Larisa, Greece

Language: English

Topic: Parasitic infections in humans and animals

Subfield: Pathology and Forensic Medicine

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,382