INTRODUCTION

Hydatidosis is a relevant problem all over Argentina, and the influence of cattle on its transmission is unknown. The main objective of the study was to tackle this situation and, in particular, to estimate the prevalence of hydatidosis, evaluate fertility of hydatid cysts (HC) and analyze risk factors and spatial distribution pattern.

METHODS

The presence of HC in livers and lungs of 432 bovines was evaluated. Hydatid prevalence, positive establishments and confidence interval (95%CI) were estimated. A total of 42 samples of HC content were taken, assessing fertility Variables associated with presence of HC were studied. Prevalence ratio (PR) with 95%CI was calculated.

RESULTS

The estimated prevalence was 22.2% (95%CI: 18.4-26.5%); 12 of 13 (92.3%) establishments were positive. The location of HC was 50% pulmonary, 4.2% hepatic and 45.8% hepato-pulmonary. No fertile HC were found. The variables that best explained positivity were: province (p<0.000): Chubut 39.7%, Neuquen 5.8%; and animal category (p<0.000): comparing with steers, bulls presented 13.8 times more disease (95%CI: 6-31) and cows, 8.1 times more (95%CI: 4.2-15.7). Two spatial clusters with lower risk of disease appearance were identified in Neuquen province and one of higher risk was detected in eastern Chubut.

CONCLUSIONS

Cattle would not be an important host in the maintenance of the disease cycle, but an indicator of environmental contamination.

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