[Diagnosis of echinococcosis in the population of Slovakia]

Serologically diagnosed cases of echinococcosis in man occurring over the years 1970-1990 are reported. In the given period 292 serum samples were examined obtained from patients clinically suspected of echinococcosis, either with or without indication of localization in different organs. Of the total of 22 serologically positive patients echinococcal cysts were found in the liver in 17 patients (77.27%), in the lungs in three (13.63%) and in two patients the localization was not established. The patients with positive serological finding were within the age range of 33 to 68 years, with the exception of one 11-year-old boy. The value of serological examination of echinococcosis in the subjects involved in our study is highlighted by the findings in those patients who underwent surgery. Both the positive and the negative serological results were confirmed by the surgical findings of the presence or absence of echinococcus. (Tab. 3, Ref. 22.)