MAIN CONCERNS OF IGG POSITIVITY TO ECHINOCOCCOSIS IN ARMENIA DURING THE PERIOD 2015–2023 BASED ON THE DATA OF BLOOD CELLS LABORATORIES

Аннотация

This retrospective study analyzed data from 928 patients who underwent IgG antibody testing for echinococcosis at Blood Cells Laboratories in Armenia from 2015 to 2023. Antibodies were detected using the Cobas e411-Roche Diagnostics automatic immunohematological device, employing the immunohemiluminescence method. Statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS version 13.0 for Windows, with a significance level set at P < 0.05.Results revealed a mean IgG positivity rate of 5.2%, with rates varying between 3.9% and 8.6% across the study period. Male patients constituted 54.2% of IgG positive cases. The mean age of IgG positive patients was 38.7±1.5 years, with significant proportions observed in the 40–59 age group and among children aged 10–18 years.Echinococcosis affected various organs, with 115 cysts identified in the lungs, liver, and spleen. Most cysts were found in the lungs (46.1%) and liver (33.9%). Risk factors included animal contact, particularly among farmers with cattle and pets, as well as travel history to Russia for work.
The study highlights the higher IgG positivity rate compared to previous decades and emphasizes the importance of targeted interventions, especially among rural populations engaged in farming and livestock rearing. The mean cyst count per patient exceeding two underscores the severity of the disease and warrants comprehensive management strategies.