Hydatidosis in Jordan: an epidemiological study of 306 cases

Of the 306 subjects studied, who had had hydatid cysts (Echinococcus granulosus) surgically excised in Jordan, 185 (60%) were female and 121 (40%) male. The liver was the most affected organ (57.8%), followed by the lung (26.4%). The kidneys, spleen, brain, soft tissues of neck, appendix and mesentery were less frequent sites. Multiple-organ infection was seen in 23 patients (7.5%). Over a third of the cases (35.8%) was aged < 21 years and the commonest occupation was housewife, followed by school student. The epidemiology of hydatidosis transmission in Jordan is discussed.