Echinococcus - Treatment

Alternative Names

Hydatidosis; Hydatid disease, Hydatid cyst disease

Treatment:

Many patients can be treated with albendazole or mebendazole. These medications are often used for up to 3 months. Another drug, praziquantel, may be helpful combined with albendazole or mebendazole.

The cysts may be removed with surgery, if possible. This can be a complicated surgery.

Expectations (prognosis):

If the cysts respond to oral medication, the likely outcome is good.

Complications:

The cysts may break open (rupture) and cause severe illness, including:

Fever
Low blood pressure
Shock

The cysts may also spread throughout the body.

Calling your health care provider:

Call your health care provider if you develop symptoms of this disorder.

Liver echinococcus - CT scan

Antibodies

Reviewed last on: 7/26/2010
Neil K. Kaneshiro, MD, MHA, Clinical Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

References

King CH, Fairley JK. Cestodes (Tapeworms).In: Mandell GL, Bennett JE, Dolin R, eds. Principles and Practice of Infectious Diseases. 7th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Elsevier Churchill Livingstone; 2009:chap 29.

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