Echinococcosis

Echinococcosis, also known as hydatid disease, hydatid cyst, unilocular hydatid disease or cystic echinococcosis, is a potentially fatal parasitic disease that can affect many animals, including wildlife, commercial livestock and humans. The disease results from infection by tapeworm larvae of the genus Echinococcus - notably E. granulosus, E. multilocularis, E. vogeli and E. oligarthrusAs already noted, Echinococcus infection causes large cysts to develop in intermediate hosts. Disease symptoms arise as the cysts grow bigger and start eroding and/or putting pressure on blood vessels and organs. Large cysts can also cause shock if they happen to rupture.Infection with E. granulosus, common in Eurasia, China and India, typically results in the formation of hydatid cysts in the liver, lungs, kidney and spleen of the intermediate host. In echography or CT scans, hydatid cysts are often large with a flaky appearance (this is referred to as "hydatid sand"); this indicates the first stage of infection. In the second stage, medical imaging may show multiple daughter cysts. Hydatid cyst of liver can be accurately diagnosed by a serologic assay (Weinberg reaction, a specific example of complement fixation). However, the Weinberg reaction can be falsely negative; in one series, 38% of cases demonstrated a false negative result. Newer studies, such as ELISA, may be more sensitive. Eosinophilia is not a feature of cysts unless rupture occurs. In fact, usually there are no changes in blood biochemistry.
Metronidazole 400-600mgAlbendazoleSurgicalMarsupializationOmentopexyLaminated Membrane RemovalMebendazole to prevent recurrencePraziquan, tab 20 mg/kg 12 hourly for 2 weeks is given pre operativelySurgery may be appropriate in certain