Human echinococcosis (hydatidosis) in Uruguay: a comparison of indices of morbidity and mortality, 1962-71.

The number of hospital cases of hydatid disease diagnosed in Uruguay during the 10 years 1962-1971 was determined by retrospective survey of all medical and surgical centres on three occasions. The annual index of hospital cases was compared with the estimated real prevalence of infection in man determined by extrapolation from the rates of intrathoracic hydatid cysts detected by mass miniature radiography. The highest rates of infection, as determined by these methods, were observed in the interior departments, particularly among rural populations, although some infections were apparently acquired in the capital department of Montevideo. The national index of hospital cases was the highest yet reported for any country but comparison with indices of estimated prevalence indicated that diagnosed cases were only a small proportion of existing infections. The different indices of human prevalence, particularly in the younger age groups, are expected to serve as baseline data to measure future changes in infection pressure achieved as a result of the control measures recently initiated.