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Serological diagnosis of Echinococcus granulosus infection in sheep using cyst fluid antigen processed by antibody affinity chromatography.

Serum antibody responses in sheep naturally or experimentally infected with Echinococcus granulosus and/or other larval cestodes were examined using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) with various antigens prepared from sheep hydatid cyst fluid ( SHCF ). Serum donors included: sheep experimentally infected with E. granulosus and their age-matched non-infected controls; sheep experimentally infected with other helminth parasites; sheep naturally infected with E. granulosus both from Tasmania and the Australian mainland; sheep from Tasmania naturally infected with larval cestodes other than E. granulosus; and naturally reared sheep completely free from infection with larval cestodes. Attempts were made to eliminate serological reactions which were not specific for E. granulosus by using a series of antibody affinity chromatography steps to deplete crude SHCF antigen; these included adsorption with a monoclonal antibody, 3EgH 29-2, removal of host IgG using rabbit anti-sheep IgG antibody, and removal of antigens which bound non-specifically to normal sheep immunoglobulin. The final affinity-depleted antigen product was designated AD SHCF . Specific serological reactivity in infected sheep was very low. Affinity depletion of SHCF using 3EgH 29-2 did not appear to increase the specificity of serological diagnosis of E. granulosus infection when experimentally infected sheep were compared with their non-infected controls provided the latter were age-matched with experimental animals. The other affinity adsorption steps significantly reduced non-specific background binding to antigen by normal sheep serum. Despite this reduction in background in the ELISA, only low levels of antibody could be detected in naturally-infected sheep.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Animals↗

Echinococcus granulosus in farm dogs and dingoes in south eastern Queensland.

Twenty-nine farms with a prevalence of greater than 20% of hydatidosis in cattle were visited in south eastern Queensland between August and December 1982. All farms carried beef cattle but none sheep. Twenty-four had dingoes and wallabies but only 8 had feral pigs. On 17 farms either macropods were killed for dog food or dogs were suspected of hunting macropods or scavenging their carcases. Purge samples were collected from 45 dogs from 23 of the 29 farms visited. The Australian sylvatic strain of Echinococcus granulosus was found in low numbers in purged intestinal content from one dog from each of 2 farms. Also, 50 intestinal tracts from dingoes from southern Queensland were examined between October 1981 and November 1983. The sylvatic strain of E. granulosus was found in 36 dingoes, the Australian mainland domestic strain in 4, and a further 5 dingoes were infected but the strain was not identified. This work indicates that domestic dogs are probably not important definitive hosts for E. granulosus in south eastern Queensland but could be an occasional source of infection for man. Dingoes are the major definitive host and worm numbers can be very high. Small foci of the domestic strain of E. granulosus may be maintained in a cycle involving dingoes, macropods and possibly feral pigs in cattle raising areas of coastal Queensland.

Animals↗

Specific antibody responses to Taenia hydatigena, Taenia pisiformis and Echinococcus granulosus infection in dogs.

Groups of dogs reared free of both nematodes and cestodes were infected with Taenia hydatigena, Taenia pisiformis or Echinococcus granulosus. After infections with the Taenia spp became patent, dogs were purged to remove the worms. They were later reinfected and the second infections again removed by purging after patency. A group of 3 uninfected worm free dogs was kept as age-matched controls. The dogs were bled at intervals of 5 days and their serums tested for antibodies using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) with excretory/secretory (ES) antigens collected during in vitro incubation of evaginated scoleces (scolex ES antigen) and oncosphere antigens. Antibodies to scolex ES antigen were detected by 3 weeks after infection with each cestode species whereas antibodies to oncosphere antigen were not detected until about one week after eggs were found in the faeces of the infected dogs. Antibody responses to both oncosphere and scolex ES antigens decreased rapidly following removal of the worms by purging. Uninfected control dogs were invariably negative to both oncospheral and scolex ES antigens. There were cross-reactions between the serums from dogs infected with T. pisiformis and T. hydatigena when tested with scolex ES antigens, but oncospheral antigens showed a high degree of species specificity. Scolex ES antigens from E. granulosus were compared with those prepared from T. hydatigena and T. pisiformis for their ability to discriminate between antibodies in serums collected from dogs 31 and 32 days after infection with 100,000 protoscoleces of E. granulosus or dogs infected with Taenia spp.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Animals↗

Cestode in North Dakota: echinococcus in field mice.

Field mice (Microtus pennsylvanicus and Peromyscus maniculatus) are naturally infected with Echinococcus multilocularis. Thus, the sylvatic cycle (fox to field mice to fox) has been established in North Dakota. This cestode is expected to extend its range to other agricultural regions of the continental United States where similar conditions favorable for the completion of its life cycle exist.

Animals↗

Immunoprophylaxis with BCG of experimental Echinococcus multilocularis infections.

Previous studies have demonstrated that prophylactic treatment with BCG protects cotton rats (Sigmodon hispidus) against experimental infections with Echinococcus multilocularis; this treatment can, however, induce granulomatous reactions. In an attempt to identify a minimum prophylactic dose of BCG which would not induce granulomas, cotton rats were treated intraperitoneally with various doses of BCG (10(1) to 10(7) colony-forming units [CFU]) and then inoculated intraperitoneally with one brood capsule of the parasite. Consistent and complete protection was obtained by the inoculation of as few as 10(3) CFU of BCG. A dose of 10(1) CFU gave no protection whatsoever, and 10(2) CFU gave only partial protection. Doses larger than 10(3) (10(5), 10(7) CFU) also afforded complete protection but gave rise to granulomatous lesions. At the time of the inoculation of the parasite, protection coincided with a general elevation of leukocytes, especially cells of the monocyte/macrophage series. It is proposed that these results support evidence for the macrophage being the principal potential effector cell in hydatid disease.

Animals↗

The epidemiology of echinococcus infection in Kaduna State, Nigeria.

Infection of dogs with Echinococcus gramulosus is recorded for the first time in Kaduna State. Observations on 330 dogs from different suburbs revealed an incidence of 1.2 per cent. Of slaughtered stock examined, hydatid cyst infections were found in sheep (7.1 per cent), goats (18.4 per cent), cattle (1.5 per cent), camels (70.9 per cent) and pigs (5 per cent).

Animals↗

Echinococcus granulosus cysts in the liver: management with percutaneous drainage.

Twenty-one hepatic Echinococcus granulosus cysts (maximal diameter, 7.5 cm +/- 4.0) in 12 patients were aspirated and irrigated with hypertonic (20%) saline under sonographic guidance. All patients had signs and symptoms of a hepatic mass caused by the cysts, which had a prominent fluid component that appeared anechoic or hypoechoic, with marked enhancement of back wall echoes. The amounts of cyst fluid aspirated and of hypertonic saline used were 190 mL +/- 240 and 120 mL +/- 90, respectively. Separation of the endocyst from the pericyst and nonviability of scoleces were observed in all cysts. Mean hospital stay was 4.0 days +/- 3.4. Serial sonographic examinations revealed high-level echoes in the cyst cavity (heterogeneous echo pattern), which ultimately became uniformly echogenic (pseudotumor). After follow-up of 14.0 months +/- 5.5, maximal cyst diameter decreased to 4.1 cm +/- 3.1 (P less than .001). One patient died of unrelated causes; the remaining 11 patients experienced relief of symptoms and a decrease in liver span.

Adult↗

The real incidence of extracapsular (satellite) cysts of liver echinococcus.

BACKGROUND: The presence of extracapsular (Satellite) cysts in liver echinococcus granulosus is known for many years. In one of our previous studies of radiological (CT) material they were found to be present in 16% of cases. METHODS: In the present study the operative findings, in cases of total capsectomy (cystopericystectomy) or partial lobectomy are presented. RESULTS: The real incidence of these cysts in operative specimens was as high as 29,5%. They were present in 15 out of 51 totally excised cysts. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that satellite cysts are present more often than they are radiologically detected. As they can be incriminated as a cause of recurrence of the disease they must be excised en block with the main parasitic cysts, by means of more radical procedures such as cystopericystectomy or partial hepatectomy, whenever it is feasible.

Adolescent↗

Fine needle aspiration biopsy in hepatic Echinococcus multilocularis.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the fine needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) findings in hepatic Echinococcus multilocularis. STUDY DESIGN: FNAB and tru-cut liver needle biopsy were applied in 14 hepatic E multilocularis cases. Cytologic smears were stained with May-Grünwald-Giemsa and periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) stain. Tissue sections were stained with hematoxylin-eosin (HE) and PAS stain. RESULTS: In tissue sections, homogeneous, thin, cystic structures of various dimensions strongly stained with PAS. Mucoid material was stained with PAS in the cystic structures. Wide, coagulative necrosis was observed in all cases. In some cases there were foreign body-type giant cells at the periphery of the lesion. In all the cytologic smears there were an intense necrotic ground, PAS-positive hyaline cuticular structures and mucoid globules; in some cases there were foreign body-type giant cells. CONCLUSION: The above cytologic characteristics are basic diagnostic criteria for FNAB of E multilocularis.

Biopsy↗

Acquired C1 inhibitor deficiency with angioedema symptoms in a patient infected with Echinococcus granulosus.

A patient with echinococcosis, acquired deficiency of the inhibitor of the activated first component of complement and angioedema symptoms has been studied. These symptoms started 7 months after the surgical removal of an echinococcus liver cyst. Eight years later, when the complement was investigated, a marked deficiency of the C1 inhibitor, C1, C4 and CH50 was present. The patient was therefore successfully treated with tranexamic acid. After 4 years, the woman needed another operation because of a relapse of echinococcosis; afterwards she was symptom-free without medications, while the complement profile remained unchanged. Circulating immune complexes were detected by the conglutinin method. The patient's serum was demonstrated to possess an anticomplementary activity without affecting the C1 inhibitor when incubated with normal human serum at 37 degrees C. At present, 16 years after the onset of the symptoms, there are no signs of lymphoproliferative disease.

Angioedema↗

Trichinella spiralis infection is mediated by MCP-1 and MIP-2, while echinococcus granulosus is strongly mediated by MCP-1, but not MIP-2.

The chemokine supergene family are small proteins (8-10 KD) inducible in a number of pathophysiological processes. C-X-C family members are specific largely on neutrophils; whereas C-C chemokines act primarily on monocytes, T-cells, basophils and eosinophils. A wide variety of cell types produce chemokines in response to stimuli, including: infections, mitogens and inflammatory cytokines. Here we found that parasitic diseases, such as Trichinella spiralis and Echinococcus granulosus produce, MCP-1 (beta-chemokine) and MIP-2 (alpha-chemokine), or MCP-1, respectively. The specificity of production of these chemokines in the two parasitic diseases may help to achieve therapeutic strategies in inhibiting inflammation.

Journal Article↗

Biliary complications of large Echinococcus granulosus cysts: report of 2 cases and review of the literature.

Hydatid cysts are often incidentally found and remain clinically silent. However complications can occur. We present 2 patients who developed biliary complications due to a large hydatid cyst. In the first patient compression on the intrahepatic bile ducts and cystic duct by the cyst, caused cholangitis and cholecystitis. Moreover the cyst had ruptured into the right intrahepatic bile ducts. A sphincterotomy was performed with extraction of hydatid sand. A pericystectomy was necessary because of infectious deterioration of the patient. Albendazole was continued for 8 weeks after surgery. The second case presented with jaundice and weight-loss since 1 month. A large hydatid cyst caused compression on the bile duct bifurcation with proximal bile duct dilatation. A cystectomy was performed 2 weeks after albendazole therapy initiation, which was continued for 8 weeks after surgery. Follow-up of both surgical interventions was unremarkable. Although Echinococcus granulosus in not prevalent in Belgium, we must be aware of this pathology in patients coming from high endemic regions.

Adult↗

Meningeal irritation: possible manifestation of cerebral Echinococcus infestation.

A patient with meningeal irritation and a small occipital cystic lesion is presented. Based on serological tests, the condition was diagnosed as presumably echinococcosis. To our knowledge, meningeal irritation has previously not been reported as an early symptom of cerebral Echinococcus infestation. Cysticercosis is discussed as a possible differential diagnosis.

Adult↗

Is high prevalence of Echinococcus multilocularis in wild and domestic animals associated with disease incidence in humans?

We investigated a focus of highly endemic Echinococcus multilocularis infection to assess persistence of high endemicity in rural rodents, explore potential for parasite transmission to domestic carnivores, and assess (serologically) putative exposure versus infection frequency in inhabitants of the region. From spring 1993 to spring 1998, the prevalence of E. multilocularis in rodents was 9% to 39% for Arvicola terrestris and 10% to 21% for Microtus arvalis. From June 1996 to October 1997, 6 (7%) of 86 feral dogs and 1 of 33 cats living close to the region tested positive for intestinal E. multilocularis infection. Testing included egg detection by coproscopy, antigen detection by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and specific parasite DNA amplification by polymerase chain reaction. Thus, the presence of infected domestic carnivores can increase E. multilocularis exposure risk in humans. A seroepidemiologic survey of 2,943 blood donors in the area used specific Em2-ELISA. Comparative statistical analyses of seroprevalence and clinical incidence showed an increase in Em2-seroprevalence from 1986 and 1996-97 but no increase in clinical incidence of alveolar hydatid disease.

Animals↗

Chemotherapy of hydatid disease (Echinococcus granulosus) in mice with mebendazole and bithionol.

We treated female Swiss Webster mice with heavy, long standing infections of Echinococcus granulosus with mebendazole, 50 mg/kg body weight daily for 10 days and bithionol, 70 mg/kg every other day for four doses. Necropsy performed 6 weeks after completion of therapy showed no gross or histologic differences between untreated controls and bithionol-treated mice or their cysts. Mebendazole-treated mice had a significant decrease in the total number of cysts (15 vs. 100), with many of those present being ruptured. Electron microscopy of intact, mebendazole-treated cysts revealed a marked increase in vacuolization and disarray of the distal cytoplasm, dilated and degenerating microtubules, increase in the size and number of lysosomes, a decrease in the number of normal appearing golgi, and increased density of mitochondria. Several mice died shortly after the termination of mebendazole therapy, all with ruptured cysts. Due to the large volume of the cysts, the presumed cause of death was acute volume overload, but toxic or anaphylactic reactions could not be excluded. We suggest that any proposed chemotherapy of humans with hydatid disease be done cautiously, with careful monitoring.

Animals↗

Mebendazole treatment of Echinococcus granulosus infection. Report of a case.

A patient with an Echinococcus granulosus cyst of the liver was treated with mebendazole for 94 days before operation. The serum levels of mebendazole varied from 39.4-274 ng/ml. After operation, cyst materials were inoculated into mice which developed hydatid cysts 10 months later. Intestinal absorption of mebendazole is poor and variable, and determination of serum concentrations is necessary during treatment. No apparently successful cases of drug treatment of E. granulosus infection have been verified by animal inoculation of cyst material; therefore, surgery must still be considered the treatment of choice. It is recommended that mebendazole be given prophylactically to prevent spread of the disease at operation.

Adult↗

Long term follow-up of human hydatid disease (Echinococcus granulosus) treated with a high-dose mebendazole regimen.

Fifteen patients with inoperable hydatid disease (Echinococcus granulosus) were treated with an initial 6-week high-dose mebendazole regimen with a follow-up ranging from 3-7 years. Ten of 15 patients showed both objective and clinical improvement, although two of these 10 relapsed 1-6 years after completing therapy. Simple, single cysts in the lung and liver showed the best response. Multiple, complex cysts and bone cysts showed little or no objective improvement. One patient developed reversible neutropenia. Overall results were no better than those obtained by others with smaller doses.

Adolescent↗

Risk factors for infection with Echinococcus multilocularis in Alaska.

We studied 19 Eskimo patients with alveolar hydatid disease from the north-western coast of Alaska for risk factors for infection with Echinococcus multilocularis. Each case-patient was matched by age and sex with 2 unrelated controls who had no clinical or serologic evidence of infection with E. multilocularis and who resided in three villages endemic for alveolar hydatid disease. Behaviors thought to increase exposure to E. multilocularis and the chronologic occurrence of these behaviors in the participant's life were assessed by a standardized questionnaire. Case-patients were more likely than controls to have owned dogs for their entire lives (odds ratio 6.00, P less than 0.05), tethered their dogs near the house (odds ratio 8.50, P less than 0.05), and lived in houses built directly on the tundra rather than on gravel or a permanent foundation (odds ratio 11.00, P less than 0.01). Case-patients were not more likely to have owned sled dogs, trapped or skinned foxes, or engaged in other outdoor activities away from home. These findings suggest that controlling the parasite in the domestic dog population, as well as controlling the dog population itself, are important aspects of preventing alveolar hydatid disease in the northwestern Native Alaskan population.

Adolescent↗