Journal
JOURNAL OF INFECTION IN DEVELOPING COUNTRIES
Volume 15, Issue 6, Pages 861-869Publisher
J INFECTION DEVELOPING COUNTRIES
DOI: 10.3855/jidc.14029
Keywords
Butchers; ELISA; Echinococcus granulosus; occupational risk; Pakistan; seroepidemiology
Categories
Funding
- Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Lanzhou, People's Republic of China
- National Key Research and Development Program of China [2017YFD0501301]
- National Key Basic Research Program (973 Program) of China [2015CB150300]
- Central Publicinterest Scientific Institution Basal Research Fund [1610312017001, 1610312016012]
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This study conducted the first serosurvey in Pakistan to assess the exposure of butchers to Echinococcus granulosus, showing a high prevalence of cystic echinococcosis among butchers in the country. The results underscore the need for educating native slaughterhouse personnel on cystic echinococcosis and serve as a global warning, especially in developing countries.
Introduction: Cystic echinococcosis, caused by Echinococcus granulosus, is a neglected zoonosis that affects humans and livestock. This serosurvey was designed for the first time in Pakistan to assess the exposure of butchers to E. granulosus as there was no previous report in the country for this occupational group. Methodology: Blood samples were collected from registered butchers (n = 364) in five different slaughterhouses in Faisalabad and Bahawalnagar Districts. Sera were tested for anti-Echinococcus granulosus IgG with a commercially available ELISA kit (specificity, 100%; sensitivity, 97%). Results: Overall, seroprevalence was 9.61% (35/364). Butchers >30 years of age (10.34%), those involved in small ruminants butchery (11.70%), >10 years' experience (10.04%), formal education level up to middle standard (10.28%), contact with dogs (12.71%), improper/unhygienic disposal of dog feces (11.87%), and those unaware of the consequences of eating with unwashed hands (13.80%) were more seropositive with significant statistical differences (p < 0.05). Variables like previous cyst encounter, no knowledge of zoonoses and/or cystic echinococcosis, living in rural areas and the presence of stray/feral dogs in surroundings did not show any significant association (p > 0.05) with seroprevalence in butchers. The binary logistic regression model also showed a statistically significant relationship (p < 0.05) for all risk factors found statistically significant (p < 0.05) in the univariate analysis. Conclusions: This study shows high prevalence of cystic echinococcosis among butchers in Pakistan and underscores the need for educating native slaughterhouse personnel on cystic echinococcosis. It also serves as a global warning, especially in developing countries.
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