AbstractIntroduction: Hydatid disease or Echinococcosis is a zoonotic disease caused by the larvae of the genus Echinococcus like E. granulosus. Globally, most human cases of Cystic Echinococcosis are caused by the sheep strain (G1) of E. granulosus. In India, G1 and G5 (cattle strain) strains of E. granulosus have been frequently associated with Cystic Echinococcosis, G2 genotype (Tasmanian sheep strain) in buffalo has been reported from India. Present study describes the epidemiology and clinical features of Hydatid disease at tertiary care centre in Jammu province of India. Methods: This study is based on 24 patients of hydatid disease from different districts of Jammu province who were admitted in Government Medical College Hospital, Jammu during the period of 1 year from November 2012 to October 2013. Age and sex distribution of the cases was described. Also, the geographical distribution, clinical features and related epidemiological details were described. Results: Majority i.e.13 (54.16%) of the patients belonged to Doda district of Jammu province. The disease is more prevalent (91.67%) in rural population as compared to urban (8.33%) population. Highest incidence of the disease was in 3rd decade. The females were affected slightly more as compared to males. In this study of 24 patients, liver was the most commonly involved organ. Right lobe (91.67) of the liver was affected more than left (8.33). Majority of the patients presented with pain (87.5%) followed by lump (50%) and tenderness (50%), fever was an associated feature in 12.5% of the cases and vomiting in 16.66% of the cases. Majority of the patients were having duration of symptoms from 2-5years (50%). The duration of symptoms varied from 45 days to 6 years. Three fourth of patients gave history of having contact with dogs. Majority of the patients affected (70.83%) were associated with sheep rearing. Majority of the males affected were farmers (29.17%) and females affected were housewives (50%).

Keywords: Echinococcus granulosus, zoonotic disease.