Human Echinococcosis in Palestine- The West Bank

Based on hospital records 390 cases of human CE were recorded during the period of January 1990 to January 1998 with a mean annual surgical incidence of 3.1 /100,000. Such findings indicate that CE is an endemic and widespread disease in the West Bank of Palestine. The incidence varied widely between governorates and was higher in rural areas. Mosticases were among the age group 11-21 years. The highest MAS1 was observed in Hebron (5.1/ 100,000) and the hottest spot was Yata town (16.8/ 100,000). Up to age 20, the surgical incidence was similar between boys and girls, however, in adults the incidence increased markedly in women and peaks at age group 21-30. Differences in incidence rates between males and females were significant (147 v. 243, P < 0.005). The liver was the most common affected organ (69.9%), followed by the lung (25.9%). In age group less than ten, the lung was the most affected site (59.6%). Recurrent cases constituted (16.7%). Seroprevalence rate of CE 1gG antibodies among children in highly endemic area (Yata town) was 2.75%. Such high rate was also confirmed using IHA and ELISA test in a reference immuno-parasitology laboratory at Yarmouk University.