Immunodiagnosis of Cystic Echinococcosis

Cystic Echinococcosis (CE) is an infection caused by the larval stage of Echinococcus granulosus. The parasite develops into hydatid cyst, in various organs of different intermediate hosts, and humans are accidentally infected. Larval infection is characterized by long-term growth of metacestode cysts in the intermediate host. Diagnosis of human echinococcosis is based on physical imaging, and ultrasonography is the technique of choice. Immunological tests are useful to confirm presumptive radiological diagnosis of the infection, and follow-up the treatment or surgical removal of hydatid cysts. A variety of immunological methods, using hydatid cyst fluid, antigen B or antigen 5, has been developed, and used for immunodiagnosis. However, these tests are still a subject of debate regarding the problem of low sensitivity and cross reactivity. The present work reviews the immunodiagnosis of CE, and provides an update of recent progress in research on immunological tests of E. granulosus.