Definition:
Echinococcosis, also known as the hydatid disease, is a potentially fatal parasitic disease that affects various animals, including livestock and wildlife.
Diagnosis:
Diagnosis is made by blood CP, serology, abdominal x-rays, casoni’s reaction, CT scan, USG scan and ERCP (Endoscopic retrograde Cholangio-Pancreatography).
Treatment:
Treatment options include laminated membrane removal, surgery, aspiration, marsupialization and omentopexy. Other cases could use medications such as Albendazole and Metronidazole.
Symptoms and Signs:
Symptoms of echinococcosis include development of large cysts, which grow rapidly and start to erode or put pressure on organs and blood vessels. Larger cysts could also lead to shock.
Causes:
Echinococcosis is caused by the infection of a tapeworm larva from the genus Echinococcus.
