Risk factors associated with cystic echinococcosis in humans in selected pastoral and agro-pastoral areas of Uganda

Abstract

Aim: It was to determine the risk factors responsible of occurrence of cystic echinococcosis (CE) of humans in the pastoral and agro-pastoral (PAP) in Uganda. Materials and Methods:A cross-sectional study was conducted in districts: Moroto, Napak, Nakapiripirit and Amudat in Karamoja region; in agro-pastoral communities of Teso region, in the districts of Kumi and Bukedea; Nakasongola district in Central region and in Kasese district in the Western region. People were subjected to voluntary ultrasound screening for CE. Those found positive to CE on ultrasound screening were interviewed using a special designed form to find out the probable predisposing factors for acquisition of CE infection. Predisposing factors considered were location, age, sex, dog ownership, occupation, water source, and religion. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to identify key risk factors. Results:In Karamoja region, being female, age beyond 40 years and open spring water sources were the risk factors. While for Nakasongola age beyond 40 years was a risk factor. In Kasese dog ownership, age >60 years and being a Muslim were risk factors. In Teso region dog ownership and age >60 years were the risk factors. Conclusion:Being a pastoralist, a female, increasing age beyond 40 years, open spring water sources, dog ownership and being a Muslim were the risk factors for CE in PAP areas in Uganda.

Knowledge, attitudes and practices related to cystic echinococcosis endemicity in Pakistan

“…of sheep and buffalo origin is phenotypically and genetically similar as worldwide. This adds further evidence to support its recognition as one species, namely E. granulosus sensu stricto [ 9 , 10 ]. Some of the researchers conducted some surveys in China [ 12 ], Morocco [ 13 ], Algeria [ 14 ], Peru [ 15 ] and Uganda [ 16 ] based on Knowledge, attitude, practices and risk factors analysis.…”

“…Statistical analysis was performed using R Statistical Software Version 3.3.0. Chi-square at 95% (CI) was used to examine the factors involved in prevalence of hydatid cyst [ 10 ]. The relationship between different factors influencing knowledge, attitudes and practices were analysed.…”

A study to assess the awareness of risk factors of cystic echinococcosis in Turkey

“…Dog ownership has been determined to be a risk factor for CE. 8 , 29 According to our results, students were more likely to keep dogs (28.9%) than other professionals ( p <0.01), and these students may be unable to cover the expenses related to antiparasitic treatment for their dogs. We propose that dog owners without an income make use of free medical care for their pets.…”

“… 8 Although older people in this group knew more about CE than younger ones, the occurrence of CE was more common in the former than in the latter. 8 , 29 This result indicates that while CE knowledge is important in efforts to control the disease, also improper practices trigger the occurrence of CE too. 27 …”

“…In a recent study by Othieno et al female gender, age beyond 40 years, and open spring water sources were the main risk factors for CE in humans. 29 Yang et al also found that age, dog ownership, and female gender were risk factors for CE. 8 Although older people in this group knew more about CE than younger ones, the occurrence of CE was more common in the former than in the latter.…”