HYDATID SEROLOGY (Echinococcus)

Echinococcus is a worm that in its larva form causes Hydatid disease in humans. Patients may not show any symptoms for many years till such time that the cysts rupture. The cysts commonly form in the liver & lung but can involve bone, spleen, brain & heart. Liver involvement causes pain abdomen, enlarged liver & reduced appetite. Lung involvement causes cough, chest pain & difficulty in breathing. This is a screening test thst detects antibodies against Echinococcus.