Barw Barw Medical Journal 2960-1959 2024 08 25 Evolving Pattern of Human Cystic Echinococcosis: A Cross-Sectional Study 10.58742/bmj.v2i3.119 eng Ayman M. Mustafa Scientific Affairs Department, Smart Health Tower, Madam Mitterrand Street, Sulaymaniyah, Iraq. aymanmajid75@gmail.com Yousif M. Mahmood Scientific Affairs Department, Smart Health Tower, Madam Mitterrand Street, Sulaymaniyah, Iraq. yousuf.smarthealth@gmail.com Fakher Abdullah Kscien Organization for Scientific Research (Europe office), Rotterdam, Netherlands. fakherabdullah1976@gmail.com Suhaib H. Kakamad Department of Immunology and Hematology, College of Medicine, Kurdistan University of Medical Science, Sanandaj, Iran. suhaib.kakamad@gmail.com Hemn H. Kaka Ali Gastroenterology and Hepatology Teaching Hospital, Sulaymaniyah, Iraq . hemn.ali@gmail.com Azad Star Hattam Scientific Affairs Department, Smart Health Tower, Madam Mitterrand Street, Sulaymaniyah, Iraq. azad.hattam@gmial.com Abdullah K. Ghafour Department of Orthopedic, Shahid Peshraw Hospital, Chamchamal, Iraq. abdullah.ghafour@gmail.com Saywan K. Asaad College of Medicine, University of Sulaimani, Madam Mitterrand Street, Sulaymaniyah, Iraq. saywan.asaad@gmail.com Deari A. Ismaeil College of Medicine, University of Sulaimani, Madam Mitterrand Street, Sulaymaniyah, Iraq. deari.ismaeil@univsul.edu.iq Rawa Bapir Department of Urology, Sulaimani Surgical Teaching Hospital, Sulaymaniyah, Iraq . rawa.bapir@gmail.com Saman S. Fakhralddin College of Medicine, University of Sulaimani, Madam Mitterrand Street, Sulaymaniyah, Iraq. saman.fakhralddin@univsul.edu.iq Bnar Sardar Saida Department of Nephrology, Shar Teaching Hospital, Sulaymaniyah, Iraq. bnar.saida@gmail.com Khanda A. Anwar Department of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Sulaimani, Madam Mitterrand Street, Sulaymaniyah, Iraq. khanda.anwar95@univsul.edu.iq Sasan M. Ahmed Scientific Affairs Department, Smart Health Tower, Madam Mitterrand Street, Sulaymaniyah, Iraq. sasan0751@gmail.com Berun A. Abdalla Department of Biology, College of Education, University of Sulaimani, Madam Mitterrand Street, Sulaymaniyah, Iraq. berun.anwer95@gmail.com Fahmi H. Kakamad College of Medicine, University of Sulaimani, Madam Mitterrand Street, Sulaymaniyah, Iraq. fahmi.hussein@univsul.edu.iq 2024 07 15 Introduction Cystic echinococcosis (CE) poses a considerable public health challenge in many countries. Due to the absence of comprehensive CE surveillance and management guidelines and varying demographic and geographical factors across countries, examining the disease's epidemiology and clinical manifestations within specific regions is essential. The current study aims to investigate CE trends, clinical features, and patient complaints in an endemic area of Iraq. Methods This retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted at Smart Health Tower in Sulaymaniyah, Iraq, from May 2020 to May 2024. It involved patients diagnosed and treated for CE. Data was collected using detailed case forms covering patient demographics, cyst location, presentation, medical and surgical history, and recurrence. Results The study involved 605 CE patients with nearly equal gender distribution and a mean age of 40.1 ± 18.6 years. Most patients, 217(35.9%), were aged 31-50 and lived in urban areas 505(83.5%). The majority, 382(63.1%), were asymptomatic, with liver cysts being the most common 361(59.7%). Single cysts were more prevalent in 513(84.8%) cases, with surgery performed in 222(36.7%) of cases, and recurrence was rare 8(1.3%). Conclusion This study highlights a significant burden of CE in urban areas, where asymptomatic cases often lead to delayed diagnosis. The high prevalence of liver and lung cysts underscores the necessity for targeted public health strategies and enhanced control measures for free-roaming dogs.