Epidemiology of hydatidosis in the province of Sassari, Italy

Cystic echinococcosis is endemic in certain parts of the world, including Sardinia, Italy. It was
performed a study in the province of Sassari in order to evaluate the incidence of the infection in man and
the effects of control programs since 1964 to 2002. Data obtained by surgical records, hospital discharge
forms, radiological and pathological files were collected using a case report form. During the years 1964-
2002, 2702 new cases were identified (average annual incidence: 17 per 100,000) and 1981 (73.3%) were
submitted to surgical treatment. In 57.3% municipalities no cases were observed during the years 1998-
2002. Males are more affected (56.2%), mostly farmers-shepherdess (68.6 per 100,000) and pensioners
(59.6 per 100,000). Control measures led to a significant decline in the incidence rate of hydatidosis during
the period 1964-2002, dropping by 27.6 per 100,000. The mean age of surgical patients increased
during the years of surveillance, such as the surgical liver/lung ratio as a consequence of acohort effect.
The durability of control programs is the corner stone for obtaining a significant decrease of this infection.