Prevalence of human hydatidosis in Tripoli region of Libya.

The literature on human hydatid disease is briefly reviewed. Records of the surgical department of the central Hospital, Tripoli from 1972 to 1979 were thoroughly examined. One hundred and eleven cases of hydatid disease were confirmed out of a total of 22,979 admissions during the period, bringing the incidence of the disease of 0.48%. Amongst 111 cases, 73 patients (65.76%) were females and 38 patients (34.23%) were males. Highest incidence of the disease was recorded between the ages of 20-40 years followed by 41-60 years age group. Recommendations concerning the disease surveillance and documentation of epidemiological data are put forward.