Complex diagnostic approach in cases of Alveolar echinococcosis

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Katarina Simekova and Robert Rosol 'anka

Comenius University, Slovak Republic

Martin University Hospital, Slovak Republic

: Androl Gynecol: Curr Res

Abstract

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Echinococcosis is serious parasitic disease that ends fatally after 10-15 years if untreated. It is caused by larval stage of Echinococcus multilocularis subtype. First case of alveolar echinococcosis (AE) was diagnosed in Slovakia in the year 2000. After 16 years authors confirmed and treated more than 40 cases of AE in humans. Main source of infection in our region are wild animals (carnivores) such as red foxes (Vuples vuples), but also other animals may participate. The most common route of transmission is by the accidental consumption of food (wild berries) that has been contaminated by the feces of an infected animal, which contain ova of the parasite. The number of new human infections is rising due to increasing percentage of infected red foxes. The prevalence of Echinococcus multilocularis in red foxes population (definitive hosts of the parasite) is reaching 30% in Slovakia, but is up to 60% in northern endemic regions. The diagnosis of echinococcosis is based on the patient’s epidemiological history, clinical symptoms, typical morphological features identified by imaging examinations (USG, CT, MRI) and serology tests. In most cases it is necessary to evaluate liver biopsy. However, in disputed cases, the definitive diagnosis is determined by PCR examination of liver tissue. The authors present more than 16 years of experience in the diagnosis and treatment of hepatal alveolar echinococcosis.

Biography

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Katarina Simekova is an Associate Professor of Infectology at the Jessenius Faculty of Medicine. She is the Head Chief of Department of Infectology and Travel Medicine at University Hospital in Martin, Slovak Republic. She participates in research activities and projects focusing on HIV and alveolar echinococcosis.