Determining the Frequency of Cystic Echinococcosis amongSuspected Cases Referred to Health Centers Southwest Iran, and Post-Treatment Serologic Follow-Up

Background: this study was designed to determine the frequency of hydatidosis in khuzestan province, iran and to evaluate the antibody changes in infected indi-viduals after treatment. methods: overall, 454 sera were collected from health centers of khuzestan province, southern iran (from 2013 to 2018). demographic data such as age, gen-der and history of disease were recorded. serum samples were investigated for an-tibody against ce by elisa using antigen b. thirty six of cases were followed up after treatment. results: among the 454 evaluated cases, antibody against ce was detected in 184 (40.52%) including 115 (62.5%) females and 69 (37.5%) males. age distribution was from 8-97 yr, the highest prevalence of hydatid cyst was observed in age group 40-49 years. liver was the most infected organ (76.63%). relapse of ce occurred in 23 of patients. in the majority of patients the antibody decreased, whereas in some cases increased ce antibody observed during post-treatment fol-low up. conclusion: current study indicated the high prevalence of hydatidosis and rate of relapse after treatment among suspected patients. therefore, long periods and regular follow-up of patients after treatment is necessary and for these monitoring, antibody assay can be an appropriate method.