An institutional experience of hydatidosis and cysticercosis in Nepal: a retrospective chart review

Abstract

Background: This study aimed to investigate the demographic characteristics, anatomical distribution, and histopathological features of hydatidosis and cysticercosis in a Nepalese population presenting to a tertiary care hospital. The study also aimed to provide a better understanding of the clinical and pathological aspects of these diseases in the local context. Methods: This retrospective study analyzed all cases of hydatidosis and cysticercosis reported in the Department of Pathology at Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital between January 2013 and December 2019. Demographic, clinical, radiological, and histopathological data were collected and analyzed from hospital charts. Results: During the 7-year study period, the authors identified 112 cases of hydatid cysts and 26 cases of cysticercosis. The mean age of patients with hydatidosis was 33.86 years (range: 5–74 years), while the mean age of patients with cysticercosis was 25.39 years (range: 4–63 years). Females were more commonly affected with hydatidosis (68, 61.7%) than males (44, 39.3%), resulting in a male-to-female ratio of 0.6:1. In contrast, there was no significant sex difference in cysticercosis cases, with 14 (53.85%) males and 12 (46.15%) females affected. The most commonly affected site for hydatid cysts was the lung (47 cases, 42%), followed by the liver (41 cases, 36.6%). The study identified three cases of neurocysticercosis. The average diameter of hydatid cysts and cysticercosis was 8.7 cm and 1.7 cm, respectively. Conclusion: In conclusion, our study provides important insights into the clinical and pathological features of hydatidosis and cysticercosis in a Nepalese population. These zoonotic diseases pose a significant health burden, particularly among the poor and marginalized populations. Our findings highlight the need to integrate prevention and control measures into the healthcare system to decrease the overall burden of these diseases.