Echinococcosis

Exam Cram

• Echinococcosis is a disease caused by parasite tapeworm Echinococcus  

• Presentation: farmer, hepatomegaly, deranged LFTs, liver cysts

• Diagnosis: echinococcus serology

• Management: albendazole

Outline

Background

• Two forms: cystic- hydatidosis & alveolar echinococosis

• Humans are infected through ingestion of parasite eggs through contaminated food, water or soil or direct contact with animal hosts (dogs)

Assessment

Presentation

• Farmer (e.g. sheep)- 3m decline

• Abdo pain, weight loss

• Hepatomegaly

Investigations

• LFTs- obstructive derangement

• Anaemia, elevated CRP

• CTAP- cyst

Diagnosis 

Criteria: clinical, guided by-

• Presentation 

• Echinococcus serology

• Cyst on imaging

Management

• Albendazole (anti-helminthic) or mebendazole

• Percutaneous drainage or surgical excision

Med Reg Notes

References and Resources

1. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/echinococcosis

Written in 2025.