Abstract:

Objective To investigate the prevalence of hydatid disease in Ali of Tibet Autonomous Region, in order to lay foundation for setting up control strategy for the disease. Methods Administrative villages were selected from 7 counties (Geer, Gaize, Pulan, Zhada, Geji, Ritou and Cuoqin) using stratified cluster sampling method from August to October, 2016. Residents received B ultrasound examination, and diagnosed based on a combination of epidemiological history, clinical manifestations and imaging features. Serological test was performed in those suspected cases. In each village, 20 local residents were selected using a random number table method. In each county, a primary school was selected, from which 50 students of grades 4-6 were selected using a random number table method. Their knowledge on echinococcosis control and behaviors were surveyed by face-to-face Q & A. Statistical analysis was carried out using SPSS 19.0 statistical software. Echinococcus antigen in the dog feces was detected by ELISA. Data were analyzed by SPSS 19.0. Results A total of 4 740 residents in 22 villages of the 7 counties were examined, and 111 were found with hydatid disease (2.34%), comprising 94 with cystic echinococcosis (1.98%) and 13 with alveolar echinococcosis (0.27%), and 4 unclassified cases (0.08%). There was a significant difference in the prevalence among the 7 counties (χ² = 45.816, P < 0.01), with the top 3 being Cuoqin County (3.76%, 31/824), Gyeonggi County (3.18%, 32/1 007) and Gyar County (2.13%, 18/847). The residents examined had a male-to-female ratio of 1 : 1.92. The prevalence in females was 2.93% (73/2 489), significantly higher than that in males (1.69%, 38/2 251) (χ² = 8.008, P < 0.01). The prevalence was highest in the age group of > 60 years (4.05%, 9/222), and was significantly different among different age groups (χ² = 43.161, P < 0.01). The prevalence was highest in herdsmen (3.34%, 78/2 338) among different occupations; and was highest in pastoral area (2.53%, 87/3 437). Conclusion Hydatid disease occurs heavily in Ali. More efforts should be made to prevent the disease. More attention should be paid to females, herdsman and those with an old age.

Key words: Hydatid disease, Prevalence, Ali Prefecture