Echinococcus

Echinococcus is a parasite that causes a life-threatening illness.

Consider its life cycle and ways of infection, symptoms of the disease and treatment methods.

[1], [2], [3], [4], [5],

Epidemiology

As a rule, areas of infection with echinococcus are different livestock and poultry farms, vegetable farms. The risk group includes people working in such areas. First of all, they are shepherds, sheep shearing, veterinarians and all those who have contact with these people. The incidence of biohelminths is associated with the abundant consumption of green vegetables, fruits and vegetables. Some epidemiologists say that in the semi-arid and desert regions, the eggs of the parasite are scattered and pollute the vegetables because of the winds inherent there.

Scientists compare the degree of propagation of the worm with natural and climatic factors, household characteristics, the number of dogs and sheep. Most cases of infection have been reported in Australia. This is due to the peculiarities of climate and the intensity of livestock. A high incidence rate was noted in Kazakhstan. This is due to the landscape zoning and sheep breeding. In Ukraine, worm infection is noted in the southern regions, that is Odessa, Kherson, Nikolaev and Krym. In the steppe zone, the sheep strain predominates, and in the forest-steppe and forest - the pork.

Infection occurs by an alimentary route, most often when eating meat of infected animals, infected vegetables and fruits. Once in the body, the larvae affect the internal organs, disrupting their functioning. The worm sucks to the organ and forms a cyst that slowly grows. Timely infected infection minimizes the destructive effect of the worm.

[6], [7], [8], [9],

Causes of the echinococcus

The parasite belongs to the banded worms and develops in the intestines of animals. In humans, larvae of the worm cause a complex disease - echinococcosis. The size of the biogelmint is 2.5-5 mm, the main source of infection is animals. Most often it is found in adults, children are sick much less often. The worm infects internal organs, most often the liver. Medicine knows cases when it was found in a heart bag. Such cases require urgent surgical intervention.

The worm's chain is a close relative of the bovine and pork chopsticks, but differs in size and life cycle. It has an irritating effect on the human body, causing allergic reactions. If there is a break in the parasitic cyst, then it threatens with sepsis and anaphylactic shock. Cysts of large negative size affect the functioning of internal organs, causing their atrophy. Parasitic liver damage can lead to fibrosis of the organ. Infection of the lungs leads to densification of the lung tissue and sclerosis.

Structure

Echinococcus granulosus is the causative agent of echinococcosis, the larval stage of echinococcus chainling. The structure of the parasite depends on the stage of development. Consider its structure:

• Small cestode with a width of up to 1 mm and a length of 2.5-5 mm. It consists of 3-4 segments, pear-shaped scolex and cervix.
• Scolex has four suckers with a crown in two rows of hooks.
• The short cervix and segments are 1 and 2 immature, 3 hermaphroditic, and the fourth is mature. The length of the mature segment is 1.2-3.2 mm, it is filled with an elongated uterus (wide trunk with lateral protrusions). The uterus is packed with eggs (about 600 pcs.), Which in their structure do not differ from eggs of bovine and pork chopsticks.

The echinococcus chain is a sexually mature form that parasitizes only in animals (dogs, foxes, wolves, jackals), that is, the final hosts. The larval stage (echinococcal cyst) parasitizes only in the intermediate hosts - man, herbivores and omnivores (cattle, horses, sheep, pigs, goats). 

Echinococcal cyst is a bubble with a complex structure. The outer shell has a layered cuticle, the thickness of which is up to 5 mm. Under the multilayer sheath is a germinal sheath, the task of which is to produce brood capsules with scolexes and daughter blisters. Capsule capsules are bubble structures on the embryonic membrane, connected to it by a thin pedicle. They have the same structure as the main bubble, but with the reverse arrangement of the shells. The bubble is filled with a liquid that acts as a protective nutrient medium for scolexes and brood capsules.

The structure of the worm can be either single-chamber or multi-chamber. Multicameral echinococcus consists of a group of intergrown blisters. The larval form of multilocularis has a multidimensional structure. Vesicles reproduce from the outside, rapidly germinating into surrounding tissues. Because of the infiltrative nature, this form is invisible to ultrasound and x-rays, which leads to an exacerbation and complication of the pathology.

[10], [11], [12]

Echinococcus eggs

The causative agent of echinococcosis are the larvae and eggs of the parasite. Echinococcus eggs are resistant to the environment, they carry the temperature from -30 ° C to +38 ° C. If they are on the surface of the soil, then their viability persists for a month. In the grass, the life span of the oncosphere increases to 1.5 months. Eggs tolerate low temperatures well and can persist for many years, as they are resistant to drying.

In water and food, eggs fall in different ways, then most often these are the methods of distribution:

1. Through the air from the dried feces of animals. The most common way. When in the southern regions and eating food, which for some time stood in the open air, there is a risk that the eggs of the parasite got into it with the wind. They enter the water with the faeces of animals, so drinking an unprocessed liquid is very dangerous.
2. From dirty hands after talking to animals and eating unwashed vegetables and fruits. This is possible in endemic areas, where the eggs of the worm are transported through the air to the animal's fur, fruits and vegetables.

Pay attention to the fact that in raw meat there are no larvae and eggs that can be infected. Infection occurs only by those larvae that enter the environment from the intestines of infected animals. Feces of such predators dry up, and eggs are carried with the wind, settling on the wool of stray and domestic animals, fruits and trees.

[13], [14]

Larva of echinococcus

In contrast to the larvae of bovine and pork chopsticks, the echinococcus larva has the capacity for asexual reproduction by budding. The bubble of the parasite is a tight ball with a colorless liquid and smaller bubbles inside, which can also contain bubbles filled with liquid. On their inner surface, brood capsules grow, in which the heads of future worms are laid. That is, inside of one echinococcus bubble there is a lot of future worms.

In order for the parasitic larvae to die and their life cycle is over, the infected animal must eat part of the bladder with living heads. This happens when eating carcasses of dead animals. 2-3 months after infection, worms become sexually mature.

A person in the life cycle of a worm is optional. In the early stages of infection, the disease is asymptomatic, serious manifestations occur within a couple of months or years after infection. The larvae growing in internal organs disrupt their functioning and press on surrounding tissues. This can lead to the rupture of the echinococcal bladder and multiple infections. The pieces, tissues and heads of a large bladder that have entered the body give rise to new ones. The rupture of the bladder with future larvae can lead to the death of both the main and intermediate hosts.

Finn Echinococcus

The biogelminth chain is considered the most dangerous parasite for living organisms. Sexually mature specimen reaches 5 mm in length and consists of 3-4 segments, which, when ingested, form neoplasms - Finns. Finn echinococcus is a bubble that can reach huge sizes, both in volume and in weight. Inside, they contain a liquid with countless brood chambers. The larvae of the parasite perfectly take root in almost all organs and tissues.

The life cycle of the worm goes through several stages:

• Egg
• Primary larva - oncosphere
• Secondary larva is Finn
• Sexually mature specimen

Finn is the penultimate stage of development. It grows and feeds on the tissues of the organ in which it parasitizes. Each of the vesicles in the secondary larva has an inner and outer shell with a liquid. In the inner shells there are special chambers in which the worms ripen.

Development of embryos is very slow, only 30 days after infection, the capsule of Finn grows to 1 mm in diameter and 5-6 months to 1 cm. Finn grows and develops over the years, forming on its internal walls daughter bubbles with numerous heads. Proceeding from this, it can be concluded that it is better to treat at early stages, when the capsule is small and does not have a pathological effect on the functioning of the body.

[15], [16],

Scolex echinococcus

The head of a biogelmint or scolex of echinococcus is a part of a worm with four suckers. The living parasite has two rows of tooth-hooks, which it digs into the tissues. With the help of suckers, the worm absorbs nutrients and destroys the blood vessels. Gradually the scolex turns into an adult worm: a 3-5 mm neck with proglottids grows. As you mature, the last segment is packed with eggs. Maturation of segments-females is gradual.

After maturation proglottids break away from the mother parasite and begin to spread the pathogenic eggs. Eggs stand out with the stool of the intermediate carrier, get into the soil, onto the fruits vegetables and infect humans. Skolexes are resistant to external influences, if they are in the bladder, they can live 4-6 days at a temperature of 17-22 ° C.

Once in the human body, mature segments and individual eggs dissolve and release scolexes under the action of digestive enzymes. After this begins another cycle of development of the parasite. With blood flow, the scolex can get into any organs and systems: the spinal cord and the brain, the liver, the lungs, the kidneys, the uterus, the eye orbits.

Oncosphere of Echinococcus

The primary larva of the parasite enters the human body in different ways, but most often it is contact with infected animals. Oncosphere of echinococcus after infection of a person enters a new stage of development. Each egg of the helminth gives a larva that penetrates into the blood vessels through the thin walls of the gastrointestinal tract. With blood flow, worms spread throughout the body, but most often affect the liver, lungs, brain, bone and muscle tissue.

Onkosfery, overcoming the hepatic barrier, fall into a small circle of blood circulation and are sent to the lungs, where they settle. Parasites that fall into a large circle of blood circulation can get into any organ. Sowing and adhering to the tissues, they are transformed into a larvocyst (single-chambered bladder) with a complex structure and large dimensions (more than 15 cm in diameter).

Like all tapeworms, echinococcus passes a certain life cycle from the larva to the sexually mature specimen. Development is carried out according to this scheme:

• Onkosfer, that is, the isolation of the larvae and segments of the parasite with the feces of the main host.
• Infection of the intermediate carrier.
• Infection of the final host.

A person becomes infected by careless handling of dogs. Eggs of the parasite can be found on the animal's tongue and wool. Infection can occur through dirty fruits, berries and vegetables, on which there are eggs of the worm. After the eggs have got into the body, they give oncospheres, that is, six-crocus embryos, penetrating into the blood vessels through the intestinal walls. With the blood current, the embryos penetrate into various organs.

Development of the embryo is slow. A month later the vesicle of Finn reaches 1 mm in diameter and only after 5-6 months - 1 cm. The cycle of development lasts until the larva turns into a sexually mature specimen. Infection of the final host is carried out by eating organs of intermediate hosts, which are affected by echinococcal cysts. With such infection, the cystic membrane dissolves in the human body and releases a huge number of scolexes. With the help of suction cups they are attached to the mucous membrane of the intestine and grow into adult individuals. That is, the person is the final point in the life cycle of the worm.

Infection with echinococcus

The parasite emits into the environment the larvae that enter the organisms of animals and humans. Infection with echinococci causes the formation of an echinococcal cyst. It is a bubble with a complex multilayer structure. In the cyst there are scolexes, daughter vesicles and nutrient fluid. The outer shell consists of a dense connective tissue that allows worms to be stored in the living body for years.

Once the oncospheres have entered the body, their membranes are destroyed, and the worm larvae are released. They gradually penetrate into the mucosa of the small intestine and blood vessels. The life cycle continues in the affected organs, most often the liver, lungs, kidneys, muscles, bones, the central nervous system. In the organ, an echinococcal cyst is formed, which slowly increases in size and causes disease - echinococcosis.

The main owner of echinococcus

When diagnosing a disease, special attention is paid to the epidemiological anamnesis. That is, it is necessary to know the factors and ways of infection, the life cycle of the parasite. The main owner of echinococcus is animals (dogs, wolves, foxes). That is, in the human body, larvae only live and develop, but do not infect others. An intermediate host may be livestock. 

The cycle of the development of the worm is simple. The carrier emits into the environment eggs that enter the water and soil. Infection is carried out by such methods:

• Almentary - through water, dirty and poorly processed fruits, vegetables, berries.
• Contact - in contact with a sick animal, cutting skins.

Infection of predatory animals occurs when eating infected herbivores (rabbits, squirrels, pigs). After the eggs enter the body, larvae emerge from them and enter the general bloodstream. Larvae grow in a special bladder, whose diameter is about 5-7 cm. If there are many such bubbles, then they form an echinococcal cyst. Inside they contain a liquid - a nutrient medium. From the mature parasite, proglottids can separate, which independently move and stand out with the faeces of animals.

Pathogenesis

The mechanism of development of the biogelmint depends on its type and structure. Pathogenesis is associated with the localization of the worm in the living body. As a rule, infection is carried out orally, that is, hematogenously, oncospheres can settle on any organ or tissue. In 50-85% of cases, this liver, 15-20% lungs, less often the kidneys, brain and spinal cord, spleen, muscles, bones. In the affected organs, one or more cysts are formed, that is, single or multiple echinococcosis.

The clinical picture of the lesion is characterized by the polymorphism of the symptoms. Symptoms of the disease depend on the growth rate of the cyst, its location and size. Of particular importance is the presence of concomitant diseases and the reactivity of the organism. In any case, the pathology develops very slowly. In many patients, the first signs of the disease manifest in a few months, and even years after infection.

Pathogenic effect of echinococcus

The pathological effect of the parasite on the human body is due to the sensitizing and mechanical properties of the larva. The pathogenic effect of echinococcus leads to a disruption in the functioning of the affected organ and organism as a whole. The cyst claw can reach a gigantic size, and its localization determines the symptomatology and severity of the disease.

The sensitization of a person by the products of a chain exchange causes a hypersensitivity of immediate and delayed form. This manifests as an allergic reaction, that is, urticaria and eosinophilia due to leakage of the echinococcal fluid. In especially severe cases, the life of the worm can lead to anaphylactic shock.

The further fate of the biogelmint is different. It is extremely rare to restore the body, that is, the immune system destroys the parasite, and the necrotic remains remain in the neutralized state in the body of the carrier. But most often the worm grows, forming large cysts with a lot of larvae. In this case, the patient is waiting for surgery and a long course of drug therapy.

[17], [18], [19], [20]

Symptoms of the echinococcus

Signs of infection by a parasite depend on the size and localization of its bladder, the rate of growth. Symptoms are complicated in the presence of various complications, that is, pathological changes in the organ affected by worms. Latent period - the time from infection to the first symptoms varies. It can be several months and even decades. In some cases, the pathological process is asymptomatic, and the helminth is detected accidentally during instrumental research or surgical intervention.

Early symptoms can be nonspecific. In this case, there are allergic and general toxic reactions, that is, weakness, malaise, fever, headaches, skin rashes. Their severity with a single cyst is negligible, but with multiple lesions is acute. As progression, more distinct signs of the disease appear, which depend on the localization of the worm.

Consider the main symptoms of echinococcosis, depending on the affected organ:

• Liver

Most often parasites are localized in this organ, since the liver is the primary filter for blood. Typically, the bladder is in the right lobe of the organ. The main symptoms are toxic-allergic reactions. The disease can be felt by jaundice, complicated by breathing. As soon as the cyst begins to expand, there are pains in the right hypochondrium.

• Lungs

There is shortness of breath, chest pain when breathing, cough. Possible exacerbation of chronic respiratory diseases. If the cyst is in the lower parts of the lung, then there are strong, painful pains that lead to a restriction of the mobility of the chest. Unpleasant sensations are accompanied by squeezing the intercostal nerves.

• Brain

The symptomatology corresponds to a tumor lesion of the brain. Clinical signs change rapidly and depend on the size of the cyst, the rate of its growth and localization.

Helminth can affect other tissues and organs, disrupting their functioning. Although more often worms are localized in the above organs, but during the diagnosis the doctor should not forget about the possibility of extensive damage.

[21], [22], [23],

Echinococcus lung

Echinococcosis is a disease that can affect any organs and systems of the body. The causative agent is the larval stage of Echinococcus granulosus. Echinococcus of the lungs is a cystic stage of the helminth. The defeat of this type has a one-chamber, i.e. Hydatid form. In prevalence, infection of the lungs takes the second place after liver echinococcosis. Most often this form of the disease is found in South America, Australia, Southern Europe, North Africa. The disease is common in countries with well-developed livestock, especially sheep breeding.

Symptoms depend on the size and location of the parasite. Let us consider the main clinical signs of lung echinococcosis:

• The first stage is asymptomatic. It can last for many years from the moment of infection. The cyst develops slowly, so the patient does not feel any discomfort. The blister is detected accidentally, during an X-ray or ultrasound examination.
• In the second stage, dull pains appear in the chest area, shortness of breath and cough. The disease makes itself felt when the cystic neoplasm reaches a large size.
• The third stage is characterized by complications. Perhaps suppuration and infection of the cyst, its breakthrough in the bronchi, biliary tract, peritoneum, pleura and pericardium. If the bladder is large, then it can be seen with a visual examination of the chest. If the cyst ruptures, then the fragments and contents of the bladder get into the bronchi. This can cause anaphylactic shock.
• Another characteristic symptom of defeat is urticaria rashes on the skin. The patient complains of high fever, the appearance of which is due to perifocal inflammation. If fluid cysts have entered the pleural cavity, then this leads to the appearance of new blisters.

The main diagnostic procedure for the detection of a parasite is fluorography. Band worm can be determined using X-rays and ultrasound. When suspected of echinococcosis, immunoenzymatic analysis and indirect hemagglutination are performed. For treatment, surgical methods and antibiotic therapy are used.

Prevention is the observance of hygiene rules and the control of stray animals, which are the main source of infection. Do not forget about the thermal treatment of vegetables, fruits and berries, which can also cause disease.

[24], [25], [26], [27], [28], [29],

Echinococcus liver

Infection of human larvae of tapeworm Echinococcus granulosus can affect any organ. Echinococcus liver is found most often, this is due to the fact that the body acts as a filter organism. Defeat can be of two types: alveolar or vesicular. The pathological effect of the parasite is associated with its toxic and sensitizing action and mechanical pressure on neighboring organs.
Echinococcal cyst is characterized by a complex structure and a bubbly form. The outer shell is surrounded by a thick cuticle layer up to 5 mm. Under the shell is the internal, that is, the germinal hermetic membrane. In it are formed brood capsules with scolexes and daughter vesicles.

Symptoms of the disease depend on the type of injury:

• Gidatidoznoe (vesicular)

This form has larval and cystic forms of development. Symptoms of ailment do not make themselves felt for a long period of time. Symptoms occur when the bladder is overgrown. The patient complains of aching pain in the right hypochondrium and epigastric region. If the cyst is very large, then it is easily palpable and noticeable during visual examination. In addition, there is a percussion increase in the organ upward. This form is noted with cysts that are located deep in the parenchyma of the liver.

• Alveolar

The main symptom of hepatomegaly develops due to the tumor-like node. In addition, yellowness of the skin and perihepatitis, which limits the mobility of the organ, is observed. A third of patients with liver echinococcosis have an increase in the spleen. If the pathology is triggered, then functional tests are violated.

Defeat of the liver is also distinguished by the localization of the ribbon worm: anterior, abdominal (descending) and ascending (thoracic).

• The anterior cyst is large in size, which allows one to suspect it during visual examination.
• The upper cysts are determined using the fluoroscopic method. This is due to the high state of the diaphragm on the right and the dome-shaped secretion of the tumor.
• At the bottom localization, the cyst is probed at an abdominal cavity. Neoplasm is mobile and has an elastic consistency. If the lesion is located in the left lobe of the liver, then it is found in the late stages with the appearance of pathological symptoms.

The state of health significantly worsens because of intoxication, that is, the body's reaction to the presence of a living parasite. This manifests as a high body temperature, allergic reactions to the skin, diarrhea. More severe symptoms appear when the tumor is squeezed by neighboring organs.

For diagnosis, ultrasound and radiography are used. Particular attention is paid to the general analysis of blood, which reveals eosinophilia above 20%. It is mandatory to conduct an intradermal reaction of Koni. As a treatment, surgical intervention and medications are used. Prevention is based on hygiene rules. In food you should eat only washed vegetables, fruits and greens. Contraindicated to drink unboiled water from natural reservoirs and contact with stray animals.

[30], [31], [32], [33], [34], [35]

Echinococcus in the brain

Biohelminth is a parasite that can cause CNS damage. Echinococcus in the brain is rare, as most often the worm affects the liver and lungs. To suspect infection of the brain allows symptomatology similar to the signs of the tumor process.

Clinical manifestations of tartar:

• Constant headaches
• Dizziness
• Vomiting
• Epileptic seizures
• Visual disturbances
• Cramps of the extremities
• Depression
• Dementia
• Delirium

The disease is characterized by a progressive course with a constant increase in discomfort and an increase in intracranial pressure. If echinococcus has a multi-chamber structure, then remissions of painful symptoms are possible within 1-2 years.

Identify parasitic infection is very difficult. As a rule, in patients diagnosed with a brain tumor, which is verified during the operation. In blood tests, eosinophilia is observed, and in cerebrospinal fluid - pleocytosis with an increase in protein. The patient is guided by CT, MRI and a number of other diagnostic procedures.

Cure the disease can only through surgery. During removal, special care must be taken, as damage to the cystic membrane can lead to dissemination of the pathological process. With multi-chamber echinococcus, the operation is not performed. The outlook for this defeat is unfavorable.

[36], [37], [38], [39], [40]

Echinococcus in the kidneys

About 3-5% of all cases of infection with biogelmintom account for the kidneys. Most often, this disease occurs in people who are in contact with dogs, cattle and sheep. Usually only one kidney is affected, most often the left kidney. Echinococcus in the kidneys can occur with the use of contaminated water, raw vegetables and fruits. Getting into the digestive tract, the egg shell gradually dissolves, and oncospheres are introduced into the walls of the organ with their hooks. From there, worms enter the general bloodstream and are carried throughout the body.

As a rule, one cyst is formed, which is located in the fibrous capsule in the region of one of the renal poles. Cystic walls gradually thicken and fuse with the parenchyma of the organ. The parasitic bladder grows quite slowly, sometimes within 10-20 years and reaches huge sizes. As it grows, it leads to atrophy of the renal parenchyma. The cyst is filled with a liquid in which there are daughter and grandchild cysts. It can be closed or open, that is, to communicate or not to communicate with the renal pelvis or calyx.

The main symptoms of lesions are painful sensations in the lumbar region. At palpation it is possible to reveal a tuberous enlarged kidney. If the echinococcal bladder bursts into the renal pelvis, its contents can be blocked by the ureter, causing attacks of renal colic. The open form is characterized by a secondary infection, the appearance of purulent impurities in the urine.

To eliminate the pathology, only surgical intervention is used. If the parenchyma of the kidney is preserved, a resection of the bladder or its opening with the treatment of the walls of the cavity and hemming is performed. If the parenchyma is affected, then a nephrectomy is performed.

[41], [42], [43], [44], [45], [46], [47], [48], [49],

Echinococcus in the heart

The defeat of the cardiovascular system by tapeworms is very rare. Echinococcus in the heart accounts for 0.2-2% of all cases of the disease. As a rule, the disease is detected in patients older than 20 years. Most often it has a secondary character, that is, it is due to the rupture of cysts forming near the heart. Medicine knows cases when the worm was found in the heart many years after the successful treatment of cysts of another localization.

In the heart, the parasite enters through the coronary blood flow. The chain grows very slowly in the tissues of the myocardium, the cyst is formed within 1-5 years. Most often, the worm bubbles are in the myocardium of the left ventricle, since there is a large blood supply. Symptoms of the disease are so extensive that it is possible to diagnose the disease only after a full examination of all organs and systems.

Symptoms:

• Pain in the chest
• Myocardial ischemia
• Myocardial infarction
• Angina pectoris
• Heart failure
• Heart rhythm disturbances
• Ventricular tachycardia

To detect infection, use echocardiography, CT, MRI. Laboratory diagnostics is also carried out. In some cases, serological tests determine the disease. Patients undergo immunoelectrophoresis, eosinophilia, Casoni and Weinberg reactions.

The only method of removing the parasite is surgical treatment. During the operation, a direct sanation and excision of the cyst are carried out. The prognosis depends on the quality of diagnosis and preoperative preparation. There is information about the effectiveness of drug treatment with benzimidazoles and the course of chemotherapy. In any case, the prognosis of heart echinococcosis is unfavorable.

[50], [51], [52], [53], [54], [55], [56]

Echinococcus eyes

Parasitic ophthalmic diseases are rare. Echinococcus eye refers to endemic diseases. The main causes of infection are: careless handling of animals and non-compliance with basic hygiene rules. The disease develops due to the Finn, that is, the larval form of Echinococcus granulosis.

Clinical signs of echinococcosis of the eye do not have typical symptoms. Most often, patients complain of pain, a feeling of tension in the eye orbit, the appearance of exophthalmos. As the worm grows, the mobility of the eye in the direction of cyst localization is disturbed. Often appears purulent melting of the cornea due to rapid progression of the parasite.

To identify the disease, a number of laboratory and instrumental studies are carried out. The doctor collects an anamnesis for the correct diagnosis. Procrastination with diagnosis and treatment can lead to unfortunate consequences. As a therapy, a medicamentous method is used. Patients make up a course of chemotherapy with a low level of absorption in the digestive tract. In addition, an operation is also performed to remove the cyst from the orbit. It is extremely important to remove the whole capsule, since its rupture and remnants of helminth tissues in the eye can lead to recurrence of the disease.

[57], [58], [59], [60], [61], [62]

Echinococcus in the spleen

The defeat of internal organs by tapeworms in humans is quite common and can occur at any age. Echinococcus in the spleen is rare and has a number of characteristic symptoms. The growth of helminthic cysts provokes an increase in the organ. Echinococcus can be localized in different areas of the body. The affected part of the spleen acquires a dense consistency and bard color. If the infection is accompanied by multi-chamber cysts, then the organ is tuberous, its tissues are atrophied, and it looks like an echinococcus sac.

Cystic walls consist of connective tissue with hyalinosis and petrification. The parenchyma of the organ is compressed, the arteries are sclerosed, and the veins are enlarged. In addition, there is sclerosis of pulp with necrosis and multiple foci of hemorrhage. When the bladder ruptures, helminths enter the abdominal cavity. If echinococcosis is medium or large, splenectomy is performed. The prognosis after such treatment is favorable.

[63], [64], [65], [66], [67]

Forms

There are several groups of helminths: flat, round and ribbon. Echinococcus refers to ribbonworms, the larvae of which affect a person. There are two types of echinococcus:

• Gidatiotic (more often affects the liver) - has a single-chambered bladder.
• Alveolar (more often affects the lungs) - has a multi-chambered bladder.

Echinococcal cyst consists of inner and outer membranes. In the bladder is a liquid in which there may be daughter and grandchildren. Regardless of the type and structure, the parasite gradually develops, increases in size and squeezes adjacent organs. That is, the symptomatology of the disease is the same for each of the forms. Better treatment is amenable to single-cell cysts, since they have a simpler structure. To eliminate the second form of parasitic infection, surgical intervention is used, the outcome of which depends on the degree of cystic enlargement.

Pig Echinococcus

A banded parasite, reaching 2 meters in length with suction cups and hooks on the body - is an armed or pigsty tapeworm. Porcine echinococcus, as a rule, dwells in the small intestine of an animal. In the human body will get as a result of eating contaminated meat. Man is the ultimate master of the worm. In a living organism, both larvae and sexually mature cysticerci can parasitize. Getting into the stomach, the eggs of the helminth are released from the shells, penetrate through the walls of the stomach and are carried with the blood stream throughout the body.

Growing biomelmints press on the tissue, causing a variety of pathological symptoms. Symptoms of infection can be muscle degeneration, thyroid nodules, cardiovascular system disorders, vomiting, diarrhea, fever.

Treatment of pork echinococcus is no different from the therapy of other forms of the worm. The patient is prescribed a course of antiparasitic drugs and performs an operation to remove the tartar. To prevent infection, it is recommended not to eat pig meat without proper heat treatment and maintain cleanliness in the territories of pig farms and farms.

[68], [69], [70], [71], [72],

Echinococcus granulosa

Echinococcus granulosus is a biohelminth that affects the human body. The worm parasitizes dogs, foxes, foxes and wolves. Its dimensions reach 0.5-075 cm in length, and the body consists of a head with chitinous hooks and 4-8 segments. The larval stage of the worm parasitizes itself in various tissues and organs of man and farm animals. It is a liquid-filled capsule. Medicine knows cases when the echinococcal cyst in the liver of animals reached a weight of more than 60 kg.

Echinococcus granulosa is the most dangerous form of a chain. The eggs that have entered the body are gradually transformed from embryos, which with the help of hooks penetrate through the walls of the intestine into the general bloodstream. The development of embryos is very slow. That is, the symptoms of infection can not be felt for many years. But as soon as the parasite starts to expand, there is a painful symptomatology. Treatment is long and complex, usually surgical.

[73], [74], [75], [76], [77], [78]

Diagnostics of the echinococcus

Several methods are used to detect parasitic infection with echinococcus. Diagnosis should be comprehensive, as the helminth can be in any organ. Diagnosis is based on anamnesis, laboratory and instrumental methods.

Let's consider the basic procedures used to identify tapes:

• Ultrasound examination of the abdominal cavity organs.
• Rheography of the lungs - is carried out to identify single and multi-chamber cysts.
• CT scan.
• Serological tests - to detect antibodies with a reaction in the blood: ELISA, RNGA, RNIF with a specificity of 80% and an increased sensitivity of 98%. In patients with suspected parasites and the detection of cysts, specific antibodies are detected in the blood.
• General analysis of blood and blood for biochemistry.
• Helminthological tests for echinococcus are performed when the bladder breaks through the hollow organs to reveal the scolex of the worm.

[79], [80], [81], [82], [83], [84], [85], [86]

Echinococcus analysis

To identify the ribbon helminth in the human body, a variety of methods are used, both instrumental and laboratory. The analysis for echinococcus is carried out at the slightest suspicion of infection. The human immune system reacts to a foreign organism by the synthesis of specific antibodies IgG and IgM. Self-management of the parasite organism can not, therefore, requires treatment. To confirm echinococcosis, the patient is taken a blood test and for the presence of IgG antibodies.

• This study is prescribed by an infectious disease specialist, an allergist, a therapist or a surgeon. The main reason for its conduct are nonspecific complaints of the patient (headaches, discomfort in the right hypochondrium and others).
• A planned analysis for echinococcus is indicated for people at risk. Such groups include veterinarians, zootechnicians, shepherds, cynologists. This is due to the fact that the main source of infection are dogs and animals from the dog family.
• The analysis is carried out in an immunological laboratory. For diagnosis, you need 3-4 ml of blood from the ulnar vein. This study does not require specific training. Such an analysis must be regularly given to patients with a confirmed disease to assess the effectiveness of therapy.

As for the interpretation of the results, the norm is a negative indication. If antibodies are detected, then this indicates the presence of helminth. Do not forget that antibodies are produced only 1.5-2 months after the alleged infection. Negative results are an occasion to conduct a number of additional studies on opisthorchiasis, toxocariasis, trichinosis and other helminthiases.

[87], [88], [89], [90], [91], [92], [93],

Antibodies to echinococcus

The laboratory analysis for antibodies to echinococcus is the main method for detecting the chain. The presence of antibodies of IgG class allows to diagnose with hellos infection with confidence. But such an analysis has a significant drawback, its sensitivity depends on the localization of parasitic blisters and the general state of the human immune system. The survey takes into account the epidemiological anamnesis, that is, contact with animals, living in endemic areas and eating unprocessed foods.

To detect antibodies, the patient is taken a blood test. The study takes 3-5 days, after which you can get this result:

• Positive is an infection with echinococcus. But false positive results are possible with nonspecific antibodies. This occurs with lesions of the liver, lungs or cancer. False positive results appear in the presence of other helminthiases (opisthorchiasis, cysticercosis, fasciasis).
• Negative - a parasite is not found. Such a result is possible with a low antibody titer in the early period of the disease, when the cyst is small.

[94], [95], [96], [97]

Ultrasound

Diagnosis of echinococcosis is a long and time-consuming process that involves carrying out a variety of instrumental procedures. Ultrasound is a non-invasive study. Using it, you can identify the localization of the parasitic cyst and its size. The method is used to investigate organs and systems with suspected helminthiasis.

Ultrasound diagnosis is effective in studying the state of the abdominal organs. It allows to establish an increase in the liver, spleen, kidneys, the condition of the affected organs and the presence of cystic-like formations. This method reveals a parasitic disease at the earliest stages, when laboratory tests give false results.

Treatment of the echinococcus

Elimination of parasitic damage to echinococci is a complex process that requires a serious diagnostic approach. Treatment depends on the location of the biogelmint, its size and stage of development.

Consider the main ways to remove the worm:

• Surgical is the main method of treatment, which involves removing the echinococcal cyst from the body. The parasite capsule can be removed entirely, that is, with a shell or opened with the removal of the contents.
• Conservative - treatment is carried out by antiparasitic drugs. This is necessary to prevent seeding of the chain before and after the operation. This method is used in conjunction with the surgical, as it is in itself ineffective.
• Symptomatic therapy - used to eliminate local manifestations of echinococcosis. Patients prescribe antihistamines, hepatoprotectors, antitussives and others, depending on the symptomatology.

Echinococcus pills

In the treatment and prevention of worm infection, special attention is paid to medicinal methods. Tablets from echinococcus are antiparasitic drugs that are prescribed in such cases:

• Presence of contraindications to surgical intervention (multiple lesions of organs).
• Positive serological response, but absence of cystic neoplasms according to the results of instrumental examination.
• Risk of contamination after or during the operation.

Tablets are selected individually for each patient. The most effective are such drugs as:

1. Nemozol - prescribed to patients of adult age with a weight of 60 kg. Tablets take 400 mg 2 times a day. If the patient's weight is less than 60 kg, then the dosage is calculated at 15 mg per kg of body. The maximum daily dosage should not exceed 800 mg. Duration of treatment is three complete cycles with a break of 1-2 weeks.
2. Helmadol is one of the most powerful remedies for tapeworms. For recovery, take 10 mg / kg 2-3 times a day. Therapy is three cycles of 28 days each, with a break of 14 days.
3. Mebendazole - prescribed for children from a year and adults. Therapy is carried out according to the scheme: 1-3 days 400 mg 2 times a day, 4-6 days 500 mg 2 times a day. In the future, the dosage is increased to a maximum of 25 mg / kg per day. Treatment lasts 3-4 courses.
4. Acrychin - used to treat children and adults. Tablets are taken after meals, washed down with a copious amount of liquid. The course of treatment lasts 4 days: 1 day 300 mg twice a day at intervals of 6 hours, 2-4 days at 300 mg at one time. If the disease occurs with complications, then the treatment lasts up to 7 days. For children, the dosage is selected individually, based on the weight of the child.

When using drugs, do not forget that each of them has a number of contraindications and can cause side effects. That is, treatment should be carried out only on medical permission.

[98], [99], [100], [101], [102]

Alternative means

Echinococcosis is by right considered the most dangerous parasitic disease with a prolonged course. Alternative drugs are effective in treating this ailment. They have minimal side effects and contraindications. Such therapy can be used at the first suspicions of echinococcosis.

Consider the popular alternative means:

1. To eliminate a living parasite, apply a dry lemon rind. From a fresh lemon it is necessary to cut off a layer of crust and dry it. Grind it into powder and take 1 teaspoon per ½ cup of hot water. The medicine should be drunk daily, in the morning before eating.
2. Another effective tool in the treatment of echinococcosis is wormwood. The embryos of the parasite perish from this plant. Similar properties are the seeds of mustard, horseradish, cinnamon, black pepper (peas) and garlic.
3. Healing properties have ginger. Dry ginger must be ground into powder and diluted in 50 ml of milk or warm water. The medication is taken the day before the symptoms disappear.
4. A mixture of dried herbs wormwood, carnations and tansy can quickly and effectively cure the disease. Of the herbs you need to cook the powder and take it 3 times a day on a teaspoon before eating. Therapy lasts up to 10 days with a repeat every three months.
5. The most famous and affordable remedy for the treatment of ribbon worm is garlic and lemon with honey. To prepare the medicine, you need to grind 2 heads of garlic and a whole lemon, mix them with 50 g of honey and dilute in a liter of boiled water. The drug is insisted for 6-8 hours and take 30 ml every morning before eating.

When using alternative therapy, do not forget that such methods are suitable for the destruction of the parasite at the embryonic stage. Treatment of adults is carried out only by surgical methods.

[103], [104], [105], [106]

Operation to remove echinococcus

Surgical method - is the only effective way to eliminate parasitic damage to the human body.

1. The operation to remove echinococcus is to remove the cyst with its capsule and surrounding tissues that have undergone pathological changes. Cysts are removed if they are small in size and located on the surface of the organ.
2. If the Finn is located deep in the tissues of the organ, another surgical approach is used to avoid complications. It consists in puncturing the capsule and suctioning its contents. The cyst is thoroughly cleaned, processed with formalin solution and sutured. The operation should be carried out very carefully. Since the flow of cystic fluid, the body gets a lot of echinococcal eggs, which are ready to hit any organs and systems.

With echinococcectomy, large resection of organs is not used, as this increases the risk of recurrence. With multiple echinococcosis, the operation is performed in several stages. First, the doctor removes the most dangerous cysts. Between each stage of treatment should be an interval of 3-6 months to restore the body. During this therapy, the patient is prescribed antibacterial agents to prevent suppuration of the biogelmint capsules.

In any case, surgical intervention significantly impairs the functioning of the injured organ. Therefore, it is very important to correctly approach the rehabilitation process after the operation and maximally restore the affected organ, preventing recurrence of the disease. Recurrence of echinococcus is a complication of a transferred disease or an operation. This happens in 15% of patients.

After the operation to remove the echinococcus the patient is waiting for a recovery period (2-4 months), which involves the implementation of such medical prescriptions:

• Admission of anthelmintic agents.
• Regular examination of the body (blood for antibodies to echinococcus, ultrasound, radiography, CT, general blood and urine analysis, blood biochemistry) for 10 years after the operation.
• Strict observance of personal hygiene.
• Eating only after careful heat treatment.
• Limitation of contact with animals, which can lead to repeated infection with helminth.
• Refusal from smoking and alcohol, daily exercise, full nutrition.

The recovery period is very important, therefore in the first 2-6 months after treatment it is necessary to avoid psychoemotional stresses and nervous experiences. Minimize heavy physical exertion. At operation at women it is not recommended to become pregnant within a year.

If the patient had echinococcosis of the liver, then to restore him prescribed a diet number 5a and drugs to restore the cells of the body (Energial, Essentiale and other essential phospholipids). During surgery on the lungs, special breathing exercises are shown to improve the ventilation of the organ. After surgical treatment of echinococcus in the brain, patients are prescribed medications that improve cerebral circulation (Piracetam, Actovegin), physiotherapy, psychotherapy.

Prevention

Infection with Chain Echinococcus granulosus is easier to prevent than cure. Prevention depends on the particular parasitic focus. The most effective preventive methods are those that are aimed at eliminating the pathways of transmission of the pathogen from stray, wild and farm animals to domestic animals. So, if you do not feed the dogs to the organs of the cattle infected with ribbon helminth, the path of infection of the person will be stopped.

Consider effective methods of preventing echinococcosis:

• Washing hands after contact with animals, working on the ground, collecting vegetables, greens and fruits.
• Do not let the pets, especially dogs on the bed or the kitchen, where people dine. Feed the animal only from the utensils allocated for these purposes.
• When performing earthworks related to dustiness of the air, use respirators or gauze dressings.
• Thoroughly wash vegetables, fruits, berries, herbs, which are used in raw form. Do not drink water from open water and do not consume raw milk.

[107], [108], [109], [110],

Forecast

The outcome of the treatment of a parasitic disease depends on the timeliness of its diagnosis. If the helminth was detected at an early stage and all measures were taken to eliminate it, then the prognosis is favorable. The prognosis is significantly worsened if the ailment was revealed in the complication stage, when the worm hit the internal organs, and the cysts reached a large size. In this case, even surgical intervention does not guarantee a recovery, since there is a high risk of death. If there is calcification of the parasitic bladder, then self-healing is possible.

Echinococcus is a dangerous parasite, the infection of which can lead to death. Carrying out preventive measures and indicating the ways of infection with helminth is the only way to avoid echinococcosis.

[111], [112]