[Praziquantel in the treatment of human echinococcosis]

In the period from 1989 to 1993, 73 patients with Echinococcus granulosus cysts were treated by prazyquantel. To differentiate cysts tests of indirect immunofluoroscence and hemagglutination were used. The tests were performed during and after the completed treatment. During the treatment three patients were excluded so that 70 patients completed the treatment. Fifty five (78.9%) patients were treated only with drug with a success of 67% (37 patients). The preventive treatment, due to cyst perforation, was performed in 3 (4.3%) patients. Dissemination of illness occurred in no patients. Twelve (16.8%) patients were treated surgically. The parasite was not alive in 7 (58.5%) patients. The vitality of the parasite was controlled by microscopic examination of protoscolex and by their inoculation into rats of AO strain. The total success of treatment was 67.4% (47) of patients. In two patients the treatment was discontinued due to allergic manifestations. In our opinion, the drug treatment was the therapy of choice in patients with Echinococcus granulosus. It should be given prophylactically, preoperatively, to sterilize the cyst and also as a curative treatment.