This paper should be cited as:Rahimi-Esboei, B. Fakhar, M. Ghorbani, A. Pour Haji Baqer, M. Paqeh, A.S.Shahnasi, P.Rezaei, M.

Prevalence of Cercarial Dermatitis among Paddy-Field Workers in Central Areas of Mazandaran Province

Rahimi-Esboei, B. (BSc)1, Fakhar, M. (PhD)2, Ghorbani, A. (BSc)3, Pour Haji Baqer, M. (BSc)4, Paqeh, A.S. (BSc).5 Shahnasi, P.6 Rezaei, M.7

1. MSc Student of Mycology, Student Research Committee, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Mazandaran, Iran

2. Asistant Professor of Parasitology, Molecular and Cell Biology Research Center, School of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences. Mazandaran, Iran

3. MSc Student of Immunology, Student Research Committee, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Mazandaran, Iran

4. MSc Student of Bacteriology, Student Research Committee, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Mazandaran, Iran

5. MSc Student of Parasitology, Student Research Committee, School of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran

6. BS Student of Medical Laboratory, Student Research Committee, School of Paramedical, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences

7. BS Student of Medical Laboratory, Student Research Committee, School of Paramedical, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences.

Abstract
Background and Objective:Cercarial dermatitis (CD) or swimmer’s itch is a severe inflammatory reaction caused by penetration of the skin by avian and herbivorous schistosomes, esp genus Trichobilharzia. Since both intermediate and final host of this parasite exist in North of Iran, we aimed at determining the prevalence of cercarial dermatitis among paddy-field workers in Central areas of Mazandaran Province.

Material and Methods:To perform this descriptive-cross sectional study, we refer to bird refuges of migrating water and Paddy-field around man-made ponds of Babol, Sari, Ghaemshahr and Savadkoh districts. The Hand and foot of the farmers were examined clinically for detection of infected people and their signs and symptoms were recorded on a sheet of paper.

Results: Based on the results, 77.5 % of the workers suffer from CD.All of them are males and the majority of them are indigenous.

Conclusion:High prevalence of Cercarial dermatitis among paddy-field workers led to a health dilemma. Thus, by increasing awareness of farmers, implementing suitable approaches, controlling the disease and sanitizing the contaminated areas can promote health situation.

Key Words:Trichobilharzia;Avian Schistosomiasis;Cercaria Dermatitis;Paddy-Field Workers Itch

Corresponding author: Fakhar, M.

Email: mahdif53@yahoo.com

Received: 27 Dec 2012Revised: 5 Feb 2013Accepted: 9 Mar 2013