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Transient Transduction of the Strobilated Forms of Echinococcus granulosus
Published on: September 16, 2022
Imported echinococcosis in southern California
S M Donovan1, N Mickiewicz, R D Meyer
1Department of Medicine, UCLA Medical Center, UCLA School of Medicine, USA.
The American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene
|December 1, 1995
Summary
Infection with Echinococcus granulosus is common in immigrants from the Middle East. A high index of suspicion is needed for this parasitic infection, even without clear risk factors.
Area of Science:
- Medical Parasitology
- Infectious Diseases
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Echinococcus granulosus infection (echinococcosis) is a parasitic disease.
- It is endemic in many parts of the world, particularly in sheep-raising areas.
- Diagnosis can be challenging due to varied clinical presentations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the characteristics of Echinococcus granulosus infections in a Los Angeles County population.
- To identify risk factors and clinical presentations in affected patients.
- To emphasize the importance of early diagnosis in specific demographic groups.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective chart review of 28 patients diagnosed with Echinococcus granulosus infection between 1981 and 1990.
- Analysis of patient demographics, country of origin, and exposure history.
- Review of cyst locations and diagnostic methods (serology and/or biopsy).
Main Results:
- Eighty-nine percent of patients were foreign-born, with 68% immigrating from the Middle East or Central Asia.
- Epidemiologic risk factors like rural residence or dog exposure were reported by only half of the immigrants.
- Cysts were found in the liver, lung, soft tissue, and other organs, with multiple cysts being common.
Conclusions:
- Immigrants from the Middle East represent a significant risk group for imported Echinococcus granulosus infections in the US.
- The absence of typical epidemiologic risk factors and varied clinical presentations necessitate a high index of suspicion.
- Clinicians should consider echinococcosis in patients with cystic masses, especially in this demographic.
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