Echinococcus
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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]
Overview
The genus Echinococcus includes six species of cyclophyllid tapeworms to date, of the family Taeniidae. Infection with Echinococcus results in hydatid disease, also known as echinococcosis.
In humans, this causes a disease called echinococcosis. Latency can be up to 50 years, and is mostly found in South and Central America, the Middle East, China, and the West of the U.S.A. (e.g.. Arizona, New Mexico and California).
Treatment
Antimicrobial therapy
- Echinococcus treatment[1]
- 1.1 Echinococcus granulosus (hydatid disease) treatment[2]
- Preferred regimen: If ≥ 60 kg Albendazole 400 mg PO bid or if < 60 kg Albendazole 10-15 mg/kg/day PO bid with meals for 3-6 months
- Alternative regimen: Mebendazole 40-50mg/kg/day PO tid for 3-6 months
- Note: Percutaneous aspiration-injection-reaspiration (PAIR)- puncture and needle aspirate cyst content. Instill hypertonic saline (15–30 %) or absolute alcohol, wait 20–30 min, then re-aspirate with final irrigation. Administer Albendazole at least 4 hours before PAIR.
- Note: If surgery is needed, make sure to administer Albendazole for at least a week before the surgery, and to keep the medication for at least 4 weeks after the procedure.
- 1.2 Echinococcus multilocularis (alveolar cyst disease) treatment[3]
- Preferred regimen: If ≥ 60 kg Albendazole 400 mg PO bid or if < 60 kg Albendazole 15 mg/kg/day PO bid with meals for at least 2 years. Long-term follow up needed to evaluate progression of the lesions.
- Note: Wide surgical resection only reliable treatment; technique evolving.
See Also
- ↑ Ammann RW, Eckert J (1996). "Cestodes. Echinococcus". Gastroenterol Clin North Am. 25 (3): 655–89. PMID 8863045.
- ↑ Gilbert, David (2014). The Sanford guide to antimicrobial therapy 2014. Sperryville, Va: Antimicrobial Therapy. ISBN 978-1930808782.
- ↑ Gilbert, David (2014). The Sanford guide to antimicrobial therapy 2014. Sperryville, Va: Antimicrobial Therapy. ISBN 978-1930808782.