clinical and epidemiological features of hydatid disease in Northern Jordan

ABSTRACT

To elaborate on the epidemiology of hydatid disease in Jordan as a model for the Middle East, and highlight the obstacles that face disease control in the region. The clinical and epidemiological data for 65 patients with the diagnosis of hydatid cyst [who were treated in the Department of Surgery, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid and its affiliated hospitals, between January 1994 through to September 2003] were analyzed. Fifty-five patients were interviewed for details of life style. Forty-six% of patients were below 40- years of age. Fifty-seven% were females. All interviewed patients gave history of contact with dogs and history of ingestion of raw vegetable food. The latter in addition to a high zoonotic infection rate and uncontrolled animal movement were factors contributing to the high prevalence. Optimization of control programs in the Middle East requires the establishment of a regional center. Wide traveling has made it essential for physicians practicing in non-endemic areas to be aware of the diverse presentations of this disease when dealing with immigrants from endemic areas