Hydatidosis among Iraqi children.

Thirty girls and 28 boys (aged from 3.6-18 years old) with hydatid disease were treated surgically. Data were statistically analysed according to age, sex and organs affected. The greater number of cases was in the age group 10-14 years. Liver involvement was more frequent (72.2%) than lung involvement (27.8%). Clinical manifestations of hepatic hydatidosis included fever, hepatomegaly and abdominal pain, while those of pulmonary hydatidosis included cough, haemoptysis and fever. The Casoni, indirect haemagglutination and ultrasound tests were positive in 55, 76 and 100% of cases respectively.