By ULY CLINIC

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Echinococcosis

 

Introduction

 

Echinococcosis is a canine tape worm Echinococcus Granulosus which is transmitted by dogs, sheeps and horses. Human infestation is through contamination of food or water causing visceral cysts (Hydatid Cyst Disease) particularly in the liver and lungs and is usually asymptomatic in susceptible host. 

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Diagnostic Criteria

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• Upper abdominal discomfort and pain, poor appetite, 

• Upper abdominal mass swelling with enlarged liver. 

• Cough with features of acute hypersensitivity reaction. ( for ruptured cysts)

• Portal hypertension, Biliary obstruction or Budd-Chiari syndrome (for complicated  cases) 

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Pharmacological Treatment

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• Albendazole (PO) 400mg 12 hourly for 3 months 

 OR  

• Mebendazole 500mg for 3 months  

 

Surgery:

 

• For symptomatic/ complicated cases refer to higher centres with management and expertise.

 

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Updated on, 2.11.2020

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References

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1. STG