Of the 306 subjects studied, who had had hydatid cysts (Echinococcus g
ranulosus) surgically excised in Jordan, 185 (60%) were female and 121
(40%) male. The liver was the most affected organ (57.8%), followed b
y the lung (26.4%). The kidneys, spleen, brain, soft tissues of neck,
appendix and mesentery were less frequent sites. Multiple-organ infect
ion was seen in 23 patients (7.5%). Over a third of the cases (35.8%)
was aged < 21 years and the commonest occupation was housewife, follow
ed by school student. The epidemiology of hydatidosis transmission in
Jordan is discussed.