Abstract
Echinococcosis is a zoonosis caused by tapeworms of the genus Echinococcus. Two species are involved in the disease - Echinococcus granulosus that is the cause of cystic echinococcosis (hydatid disease) and Echinococcus multilocularis that is the cause of alveolar (multilocular) echinococcosis.
In the Czech Republic, 15 cases of echinococcosis have been reported in adults since 2005. The therapeutic options are either surgical or non-surgical.
The choice of the therapeutic option depends on the patient's clinical condition and the type of cysts detected. Non-surgical options are benzimidazole derivatives (albendazole, mebendazole), pyrazinoisoquinoline derivatives (praziquantel), and PAIR (puncture, aspiration, injection, reaspiration).
Chemotherapy alone is only used when surgery is impossible or when more suitable for the patient. In most cases, chemotherapy is used in combination with surgery.
Chemotherapy is given at least one week prior to surgery and is continued for four weeks or more after surgery. PAIR is always combined with chemotherapy.