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Primary super-infection of hydatid cyst--clinical setting and microbiology in 37 cases
Moncef Belhassen García1, Javier Pardo Lledías, Inmaculada Galindo Pérez
1Unidad de Enfermedades Infecciosas-Medicina Interna, Hospital Universitario de Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain. mbelhassen@hotmail.com
The American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene
|March 9, 2010
Abstract:
The clinical and microbiological characteristics of super-infected hydatid cysts are described. In our cohort, 7.3% of 503 patients had a super-infected cyst. Four patients developed severe sepsis, and two of them died. Escherichia coli, viridans group streptococci, and Enterococcus species in liver cysts and Aspergillus fumigatus in lung cysts were the microorganisms most frequent involved.
Insights
Super-infected hydatid cysts affect 7.3% of patients, leading to severe sepsis in some cases. Common culprits include E. coli in liver cysts and Aspergillus fumigatus in lung cysts.
Area of Science:
- Medical Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Parasitology
Background:
- Hydatid cysts, caused by Echinococcus granulosus, are parasitic infections.
- Super-infection of hydatid cysts can lead to severe complications.
- Limited data exists on the specific clinical and microbiological features of super-infected hydatid cysts.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the clinical and microbiological characteristics of super-infected hydatid cysts.
- To identify the common microorganisms involved in super-infections.
- To assess the clinical outcomes associated with super-infected hydatid cysts.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 503 patients with hydatid cysts.
- Identification of super-infected cysts through clinical and microbiological data.
- Microbiological analysis to determine causative agents.
Main Results:
- 7.3% of patients (37 out of 503) had super-infected hydatid cysts.
- Four patients developed severe sepsis, with two fatalities.
- Commonly isolated microorganisms included Escherichia coli, viridans group streptococci, and Enterococcus species in liver cysts.
- Aspergillus fumigatus was the most frequent microorganism involved in lung cysts.
Conclusions:
- Super-infection of hydatid cysts is a significant clinical concern with a notable risk of severe sepsis.
- Specific microorganisms are associated with super-infections in different locations (liver vs. lung).
- Prompt diagnosis and management are crucial for improving outcomes in super-infected hydatid cysts.
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