A mass screening survey of cystic echinococcosis by ultrasonography, Western blotting, and ELISA among university students in Manisa, Turkey

- A total of 4275 university aged students was screened by ultrasonography for cystic echinococcosis (CE).
- Finger prick blood samples were obtained from 2034 of the 4275 volunteers and examined by Western blotting (WB) and ELISA for CE.
- Overall prevalence was found to be 0.21%; nine students were diagnosed with CE (six new and three previously operated cases).
- Our results supported that WB is rather difficult and not feasible as a mass screening test and may not be effective for confirmation especially in asymptomatic cases.
- We recommend US to be used initially in mass screening surveys for CE followed by confirmation by ELISA for suspected cases.