More than 300 cysts were removed removed from the liver of a 33 years old patient of 30 kg weight by Dr B L Bairwa. World Book of Records recognised this milestone as a world record and included in the book. Previous record was for 296 cysts from the liver.
Hydatid cyst disease ; Human echinococcosis is a zoonotic disease (a disease that is transmitted to humans from animals) that is caused by parasites, namely tapeworms of the genus Echinococcus.
Transmission; A number of herbivorous and omnivorous animals act as intermediate hosts of Echinococcus. They become infected by ingesting the parasite eggs in contaminated food and water, and the parasite then develops into larval stages in the viscera.
Carnivores act as definitive hosts for the parasite, and harbour the mature tapeworm in their intestine. The definitive hosts are infected through the consumption of viscera of intermediate hosts that contain the parasite larvae.
Humans act as so-called accidental intermediate hosts in the sense that they acquire infection in the same way as other intermediate hosts, but are not involved in transmitting the infection to the definitive host.
Clinical features ; Abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting are commonly seen when hydatids occur in the liver. If the lung is affected, clinical signs include chronic cough, chest pain and shortness of breath. Other signs depend on the location of the hydatid cysts and the pressure exerted on the surrounding tissues. Non-specific signs include anorexia, weight loss and weakness.
Diagnosis ;
Ultrasonography (USG) is the technique of choice for the diagnosis of both cystic e and alveolar echinococcosis in humans. USG findings are usually complemented or validated by computed tomography (CT) and/or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans.
Hydatid cysts can be incidentally discovered by radiography. Specific antibodies are detected by different serological tests and can support the diagnosis. Early detection of the disease (E. granulosus and E. multilocularis infections) is the key in the management of the disease and prevention of the complications.
Prevention ; hydatid disease is a preventable disease as it involves domestic animal species as definitive and intermediate hosts. Periodic deworming of dogs with praziquantel (at least 4 times per year), improved hygiene in the slaughtering of livestock (including the proper destruction of infected offal), vaccinations of sheep with EG95, vaccination of lambs and public education campaigns have been found to lower and, in high-income countries, prevent transmission and alleviate the burden of human disease.
Treatment ; Treatment of the hydatid disease is often expensive and complicated, sometimes difficult to treat. Medical (non interventional) and Surgical (Interventional ) treatment options are available. modality of treatment depends on the stage and site of the disease.