Molecular tools in the identification of Echinococcus spp. in hepatic hydatid cyst. Case report

Abstract

Introduction

Echinococcosis or hydatidosis, a zoonotic parasitic disease that affects humans by accident due to ingestion of larval stages of cestodes of the genus Echinococcus, humans are an intermediate host, the parasite does not develop into an adult stage but usually produces cysts in the liver or other organs. Echinococcosis is considered as neglected tropical disease with a cosmopolitan distribution. In humans, it does not present specific symptoms and the diagnosis is based on imaging studies by ultrasound or computed tomography. Parasitological and/or serological diagnosis are also a diagnostic option. Molecular techniques can help for a specific diagnosis of the infection.

Objective

To describe a clinical case of hepatic hydatid cyst in an Ecuadorian patient highlighting the usefulness of molecular tools to identify Echinococcus spp.

Case report

A 37-year-old Ecuadorian patient from San Antonio de Pichincha was admitted to the Hospital General Docente de Calderón with nonspecific symptoms: abdominal pain in the epigastrium and right hypochondrium and general malaise. Computed Tomography of the abdomen showed lesions suggestive of liver abscesses, drainage was performed and the analysis revealed larval forms of Echinococcus spp., which were confirmed as Echinococcus granulosus by 18S rDNA sequencing.

Discussion and conclusions

Human hydatidosis is a parasitic entity that may be common in Ecuador. This report demonstrates that molecular techniques together with imaging techniques are useful for the specific diagnosis of hydatidosis. In Ecuador, health education campaigns are required for the prevention, diagnosis, treatment and control of Echinococcosis.