A Descriptive Study of Human Fascioliasis in Qaemshahr, Mazandaran Province, Iran: Its Prevalence and Risk Factors

Background: Fasciolosis as a zoonotic disease is one of the major health and economic problems with worldwide distribution. In some parts of Iran, the prevalence of human fasciolosis has increased over the past decades. Objectives: This study aimed to determine the seroprevalence of human fasciolosis in Qaemshahr, Mazandaran Province, and de-termine the epidemiological factors associated with the disease. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 2,418 serum samples were collected from di erent parts of Qaemshahr, Mazandaran province, and stored at -20°C until further use. The anti-Fasciola IgG antibodies were evaluated using the ELISA method. The de-mographic factors of the individuals were collected through questionnaires. Results: Anti-Fasciola hepatica antibodies were detected in 60 (2.48%) individuals using ELISA method. Regarding the Fasciola seropositivity, significant di erences were observed between age, gender, farmers, consumption of spring water, raw vegetables, anthelminthic drugs, and patients with a history of jaundice (P 0.05), while no significant correlation were found between anti-Fasciola IgG positivity and consumption of traditional appetizers such as Dalal or processed olive, abdominal pain, patients with gastrointestinal symptoms, in housewives and administrative employees (P 0.05). Conclusions: We found that 2% of people in Qaemshahr are seropositive for Fasciola infection. Integrated prevention and control strategies are the most e ective solution for a decrease in the prevalence of fasciolosis in Qaemshahr, Mazandaran Province.