Hydatid disease

Hydatid disease

1. Definition Hydatid disease is a parasitic infection caused by Echinococcus granulosus, leading to the formation of cysts in various organs, usually the liver or lungs.

2. Causes / Etiology The disease is primarily caused by Echinococcus granulosus, a parasite found in dogs, wolves, and other canines. Humans become infected by accidentally ingesting eggs of the parasite through contaminated food or water or by touching infected animals.

3. Types or Classification There are four types of hydatid disease:

• Cystic echinococcosis: large cysts in the liver or lungs
• Alveolar echinococcosis: small cysts in the liver or other organs
• Unilocular echinococcosis: single cyst in the liver
• Polycystic echinococcosis: multiple cysts in the liver

4. Pathology The process of hydatid disease can be explained as follows:

• Step 1 → The parasite's eggs are ingested by the host.
• Step 2 → The eggs hatch inside the host's digestive system.
• Step 3 → The larvae migrate through the bloodstream to the liver and lungs.
• Step 4 → The larvae infect the liver cells and form cysts.
• Step 5 → The cysts grow and can rupture, releasing daughter cysts which can infect other organs.

5. Clinical Features General features:

• Abdominal pain or discomfort
• Weight loss
• Fatigue
• Loss of appetite
• Vomiting Specific features:
• Cystic echinococcosis: large cysts in the liver or lungs, which can rupture and cause severe symptoms.
• Alveolar echinococcosis: small cysts in the liver or other organs, which can cause severe symptoms and potentially life-threatening complications.

6. Complications Acute complications:

• Rupture of cysts
• Infection of the cyst
• Hemorrhage
• Anaphylaxis Chronic complications:
• Organ damage
• Respiratory problems
• Cardiac problems
• Neurological problems

7. Diagnosis / Investigations Routine tests:

• Blood tests to detect antibodies to the parasite
• Imaging tests such as X-rays or CT scans to visualize the cysts Special tests:
• Ultrasound to detect cysts in the liver or lungs
• MRI to visualize the cysts and surrounding tissue

8. Management General management:

• Rest and relaxation
• A balanced diet
• Avoidance of strenuous activities Modern treatment:
• Surgery to remove the cysts
• Chemotherapy to kill the parasite
• Antihistamines to prevent an allergic reaction Dietary advice:
• Avoid eating raw or undercooked meat
• Avoid eating contaminated food or water
• Wash hands thoroughly before eating

9. Homeopathic Therapeutics Lachesis (Boericke):

• Symptoms: pain, swelling, and redness around the cyst
• Treatment: relief of symptoms, reduction of pain and inflammation
• Dose: 6c, 30c
• Frequency: every 2-3 hours as needed Pulsatilla (Allen's Keynotes):
• Symptoms: abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting
• Treatment: relief of symptoms, improvement of appetite
• Dose: 6c, 30c
• Frequency: every 2-3 hours as needed Arnica (Boericke):
• Symptoms: pain, swelling, and redness around the cyst
• Treatment: relief of symptoms, reduction of pain and inflammation
• Dose: 6c, 30c
• Frequency: every 2-3 hours as needed Phosphorus (Allen's Keynotes):
• Symptoms: nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain
• Treatment: relief of symptoms, improvement of appetite
• Dose: 6c, 30c
• Frequency: every 2-3 hours as needed Hydrastis (Allen's Keynotes):
• Symptoms: pain, swelling, and redness around the cyst
• Treatment: relief of symptoms, reduction of pain and inflammation
• Dose: 6c, 30c
• Frequency: every 2-3 hours as needed