Diagnosis: Echinococcosis
• Transmission of hydatid disease is known to occur between dogs and sheep in parts of Utah, Arizona, New Mexico, California, and other Western states.
• Immunoblot assays using specific antibodies that recognize the hydatid antigens are very specific as confirmatory tests. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay methods using monoclonal antibodies are highly sensitive as a screen to diagnose human hydatid disease.
• If hydatid cyst fluid is obtained, examination using light or fluorescent microscopy may reveal hydatid scolices, daughter cysts, or hooks.
• Surgical removal of cysts can be risky because of fluid spillage, which causes intraperitoneal seeding of infection during the procedure.
• Treatment for cystic echinococcosis includes surgery, puncture-aspiration-injection-respiration, and chemotherapy with albendazole or mebendazole.
