Human cystic echinococcosis in two south-western and central-western Romanian counties: a 7-year epidemiological and clinical overview.

PURPOSE

To analyze the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of human cystic echinococcosis (CE) in two Romanian counties, of which one is known from a previous survey as hyperendemic, whereas in the other no extensive studies have been undertaken so far.

METHODS

Retrospective investigation of the medical records of the patients diagnosed with this condition and hospitalized during 2004-2010 in Caras-Severin and Hunedoara counties.

RESULTS

A total of 190 patients aged 5-88 years (44.3±21.8 years old) were diagnosed with CE. More than one fifth of cases (21.1%) were younger than 19 years old, indicating active transmission of the disease. The yearly average incidence was 3.3 cases/100,000 inhabitants. The highest incidence was registered in patients aged 60-69 years (6.2 cases/100,000 inhabitants), regardless of their gender. Liver involvement occurred in 84.7% of patients. One fifth of the cases (20%) presented complications. Normal values of the eosinophil counts and leukocyte counts predominated within the study group. The length of the hospital stay varied between 1 and 65 days with a mean of 13.1±9.5 days.

CONCLUSIONS

CE has a significant burden in this part of Romania, and continues to be a public health concern. Consequently, better implementation of preventive measures and extensive informative campaigns for the population are mandatory.