Seroprevalence of Human Fasciolosis in Pirabad, Lorestan Province, Western Iran.
BACKGROUND
The purpose of this study was to perform seroepidemiological investigation for determining the status of human fasciolosis in Pirabad Village, Lorestan Province, western Iran.


METHODS
Blood samples were taken from residents of the village including 801 individuals. Sera were separated and stored at -20°C until used. The samples were analyzed using ELISA.


RESULTS
Anti-Fasciola antibodies were detected in 6 (0.7%) individuals. Difference between age, sex and drinking or swimming in the surface water with seropositivity to fasciolosis was not significant. Out of 7 shepherds, 1 (14.3%) was seropositive. Due to the small number of shepherds, comprehensive statistical inference in this regard cannot be done. Significant difference was detected between seropositivity to fasciolosis and consuming local freshwater vegetables during the last 6 months (P=0.001).


CONCLUSIONS
Metacercariae carrying local freshwater plants might be the main source of contamination because consumption of these kinds of vegetables was confirmed by all participants. Awareness of local communities regarding the danger of freshwater plant consumption, through health education programs, will decrease the risk of infection.
Dept. of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Lorestan University of Medical Sciences, Khorramabad, Iran.
Farnaz
F
Kheirandish
Dept. of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Lorestan University of Medical Sciences, Khorramabad, Iran.
Mohammad Hassan
MH
Kayedi
Dept. of Parasitology and Mycology, Razi Herbal Medicines Research Center, Lorestan University of Medical Sciences, Khorramabad, Iran.
Behrouz
B
Ezatpour
Dept. of Social Medicine, School of Medicine, Lorestan University of Medical Sciences, Khorramabad, Iran.
Khatere
K
Anbari
Deputy of Treatment, Lorestan University of Medical Sciences, Khorramabad, Iran.
Hamid Reza
HR
Karimi Rouzbahani
Dept. of Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, Deputy of Health, Lorestan University of Medical Sciences, Khorramabad, Iran.
Ali
A
Chegeni Sharafi
Dept. of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Lorestan University of Medical Sciences, Khorramabad, Iran.
Abolfazl
A
Zendehdel
Dept. of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
Negar
N
Bizhani
Dept. of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
Mohammad Bagher
MB
Rokni
Fasciolosis; Freshwater vegetable; Iran; Seroprevalence