ABSTRACT:
Cystic echinococcosis is a parasitic infection of worldwide distribution, which, despite causing significant loss of health and money, is still a neglected disease. The present study was performed to determine the prevalence of bovine hydatid disease at Research Centre for the Conservation of Sahiwal Cattle, Jahangirabad, Khanewal, Pakistan. Five hundred bovine serum samples were tested for the detection of bovine Echinococcus antibodies (IgG), using the ELISA kits. Antibodies of bovine Echinococcus were detected in 24.2% cattle. Female cattle showed higher disease prevalence (33.2%) compared to (6.02%) in male cattle. There was positive association between sex of cattle and prevalence (P<0.05). Positive correlation between disease prevalence and age was detected. Younger animals (<3 years old) had lower prevalence value of disease than to older animals (> 3 years old). It is concluded that there is high degree of exposure of cattle to Echinococcus at Research Centre for Conservation of Sahiwal Cattle, Khanewal, Punjab. Measures should be taken to reduce risk of disease to avoid its spread to humans as well as great degree of economic losses.
Key words:
Echinococcus antibodies; seroprevalence; ELISA; age; sex