. Echinococcosis infection is caused by the tapeworm Echinococcus. It occurs when a person ingests eggs from contaminated food, water, or contact with infected animals, particularly dogs. After ingestion, the eggs hatch into larvae, which migrate and form hydatid cysts in various organs, commonly the liver and lungs, but also the brain, spleen, and other tissues.
. The patient may remain asymptomatic for years. When symptoms occur, they depend on the size and location of the cysts and can include: abdominal pain, nausea, hepatomegaly, chest pain, coughing, dyspnea.
Rupture of cysts can cause severe allergic reactions or anaphylaxis.
. Detection of IgM indicates recent or active infection, while IgG suggests chronic or past infection. Early diagnosis helps guide appropriate treatment, reducing the risk of complications, improving patient outcomes, and also valuable for monitoring the efficacy of treatment.