The Contribution of Hydatid Serology in the Diagnosis and Monitoring of Hydatid Cyst in the Parasitology and Mycology Department at the Avicenna Military Hospital of Marrakesh, Morocco

Abstract

Introduction: Hydatid disease is also known as cystic echinococcosis (CE) is a zoonotic disease caused by a parasitic infection. CE is caused by the larval stage of Echinococcus granulosus. Humans are accidental intermediate hosts and they get infected following the accidental ingestion of Echinococcus granulosus eggs. Usually, the disease is diagnosed regarding clinical history, serologyand imaging. Aims: To evaluate the contribution of Hydatid serology in the diagnosis and monitoring of Hydatid cysts in the parasitology and mycology department at the AMH of Marrakesh, Morocco. Material and Methods: This study was conducted to evaluate the contribution of Hydatid serology in the diagnosis and monitoring of Hydatid cysts in the parasitology and mycology department at the Avicenna Military Hospital (AMH) of Marrakesh, Morocco. A retrospective study among 62 suspected cases from January 2018-December 2020 was conducted. Results: The ELISA test was used for serology. Out of the 62 cases, 23 (37%) were seropositive. Most of the seropositive cases had an average age of 38 years and were from rural areas, 86.5%. The liver was the most affected organ, 56.5%, and hypochondriac pain was the most prevalent symptom, 62.7%. Otherwise, the false-negative cases for the ELISA test were high implying the test had low sensitivity and specificity. Otherwise, the ELISA test can be used for the diagnosis and monitoring of Hydatid disease. Conclusion: Hydatid cyst is relatively common in Morocco with significant morbidity and mortality and timely detection is imperative towards management and preventive efforts.