A Survey on Different Methods of Diagnosing Hydatid Cyst in Human

Cystic echinococcosis (CE) caused by infection with the larval stage of Echinococcus granulosus is of public health importance in Iran and other countries. Diagnosis relies primarily on the interpretation of results taken from both radiological imaging techniques and immunodiagnosis. However, clinical symptoms do not emerge until the larval cyst structure of the parasite has reached a certain size During this time, immunodiagnosis has also proved effective and can conveniently be used to diagnose the disease in asymptomatic high risk populations. Various serological tests have been used to detect antibodies or antigens. Indirect haemagglutination test (IHA), indirect fluorescent antibody (IFA), Counter immunoelectrophorese (CIEP), Latex agglutination test (LAT), Western blotting (WB), Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), Dot-ELISA and … are common in human medicine. But, source of antigens and used methods have affects on diagnosing the disease. In addition, various strains of hydatid cyst often differ inbiological characteristics which can influence the epidemiology of hydatidosis and measures taken to diagnose, treat and control the disease. The aim of the present study is to apply and evaluate the different methods in the diagnosis of hydatid cyst infection.