The determination of specific antibodies against Echinococcus is used for the laboratory diagnosis of echinococcosis.
Echinococcosis, or hydatidosis, or hydatid disease, is a parasitic infection common among patients who come into contact with sheep or bovine animals. It affects more than 1 million people worldwide. Echinococcus species are tapeworms (Cestodes), and the two most important species that infect humans are Echinococcus granulosus and Echinococcus multilocularis.
Regarding geographical distribution, Echinococcus granulosus can be found worldwide in rural areas where dogs can feed on dead infected sheep or cattle. In contrast, Echinococcus multilocularis is found mainly in the northern hemisphere. The final hosts for E. granulosus are dogs or other canids, and the final hosts for E. multilocularis are foxes and, to a lesser extent, other canids. Adult Echinococcus worms are located in the small intestine of the final hosts and release their eggs that pass into the feces and can be ingested by a vector, usually sheep or cattle in the case of E. granulosus or small rodents in the case of E. multilocularis. Eggs hatch in the small intestine, releasing the echinococcus that penetrate the intestinal wall and migrate through the circulatory system to various organs where the cysts develop. The final host becomes infected after ingestion of these infectious cysts. People become infected accidentally after ingestion of Echinococcus eggs.
In humans, E. granulosus cysts usually develop in the lungs and liver, and the infection may remain silent or latent for years (5-20 years) before cyst size increases and symptoms appear. Symptomatic manifestations include chest pain, hemoptysis, and cough in the case of pulmonary involvement, abdominal pain, and obstruction of the bile duct in the case of liver infection. E. multilocularis infection occurs more rapidly than E. granulosus and manifests with abdominal pain and biliary obstruction. Hydatid cyst rupture can cause fever, urticaria, and anaphylactic shock.
Diagnosis of echinococcal infections is based on characteristic findings by ultrasound or other imaging techniques and serological testing. It is important to note that infected people do not release parasite eggs in their stool.
Surgical removal of the hydatid cyst is the treatment of choice. Cyst removal does not dramatically reduce the titer of antibodies that can persist for years.
False-positive results may occur in patients with a history of cirrhosis, systemic autoimmune disease, systemic lupus erythematosus, or schistosomiasis.
Important Note
Laboratory test results are the most critical parameter for diagnosing and monitoring all pathological conditions. Between 70 to 80% of diagnostic decisions are based on laboratory tests. Correctly interpreting laboratory results allows a doctor to distinguish "healthy" from "diseased."
Laboratory test results should not be interpreted from the numerical result of a single analysis. Test results should be analyzed based on each case and family history, clinical findings, and the results of other laboratory tests and information. Your physician should explain the importance of your test results.
At Diagnostiki Athinon, we answer any questions you may have about the test you perform in our laboratory and contact your doctor to ensure you receive the best possible medical care.
