Epidemiological characteristics of Echinococcus granulosus infection in children from some sites in Xinjiang and its association with platelets.

objectiveThe aim of this study was to delineate the epidemiological features of echinococcosis in children of patient data collected and to identify any associations between the infection and increased platelet parameters.

methodsBetween 2007 and 2024, we conducted a comprehensive analysis of cases with E.granulosus s.s. infection children aged 0-14 years and analysis blood routine examination results involving with E.granulosus s.s. infection and normal children. A total of 930 children were collected, including 316 infected children and 496 normal children after screening. Data were sourced from the case systems of the First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University and Yili Friendship Hospital. Information on age, gender, ethnicity, residential address, diagnosis, chief complaints, and medical history were collected for both infected and non-infected children. 1:1 matching was carried out when counting platelets and their related indexes. Data abstraction adhered to established guidelines and was independently performed by two reviewers. Quality assessment utilized a critical appraisal checklist for prevalence studies. The study adopted a retrospective design, involving two-center case collection and subsequent data analysis.

resultsIn children infected with E.granulosus s.s., gender, age, and ethnicity are not the primary factors influencing platelet counts. Additionally, the main infection sites are predominantly located in the liver. Among the cases analyzed, the proportion of infections in the Yili Kazakh Autonomous Prefecture in northern Xinjiang was higher compared to other regions, suggesting potential inclusion and statistical bias. Before and after propensity score matching, the platelet values in children infected with E.granulosus s.s. were significantly higher than those in healthy children, with statistically significant differences (all P < 0.001). The MPV values in children infected with E.granulosus s.s. were significantly lower than those in healthy children, also with statistically significant differences (all P < 0.001). Prior to propensity score matching, the PCT values in children infected with E.granulosus s.s. were higher than those in healthy children, with a statistically significant difference (P = 0.0201). After propensity score matching, there was no statistically significant difference between the two groups (P = 0.9419). Both before and after propensity score matching, the PDW values in children infected with E.granulosus s.s. were higher than those in healthy children, with statistically significant differences (all P < 0.001).

conclusionsThe collection and analysis of clinical case data revealed the following findings: Firstly, in pediatric cases of E.granulosus s.s. infection, the primary site of infection was predominantly concentrated in the liver. In northern regions of Xinjiang, such as the Yili Kazak Autonomous Prefecture, the infection rate was significantly higher compared to other areas, the proportion of infected children in rural areas is higher than that in urban areas. Secondly, children infected with E.granulosus s.s. exhibited higher platelet counts, lower MPV, and higher PDW compared to healthy children. This indicates that E.granulosus s.s. infection affects platelet parameters.