ABSTRACT
Objective To investigate the characteristics and distribution of human eehinococcosis in Hobukesar Mongolian Autonomous County (HMAC) in Xinjiang. Methods Using cluster sampling methods, the 2 counties (Tiebukenwusa and Narenhebuke) in HMAC were chosen as focusing areas for investigation. A survey of human echinococcosis including questionnaire, serological test and abdominal ultrasonic scan was carried out. Results The prevalence of human echinococcosis was 9.0% (64/712) by ultrasound and surgical history, including 8.7% (62/712) for cystic eehinococcosis(CE), 0.3%(2/712) for alveolar echinococcosis(AE) and 15.6%(111/712) for total of serological positives in HMAC. CE prevalence rate of different occupations, age, family slaughtering livestock and drinking water source had significant differences(P<0.05). Herdsmen as the highest risk group showed a CE prevalence of the 13.4% (27/201) in comparison with other occupations. The ages between 20 to<40 year-old were at the highest risk stage with 12.8% incidence. But CE prevalence rate of different gender, ethnic and education groups had not significant differences(P>0.05). Conclusions HMAC could be considered as a high endemic human CE region in Xinjiang. The current study reported the main risk factors may include occupations, age difference and drinking water source.