Paper II
2023 March (Supplementary) (2010 Scheme) · 40 marks · 120 min

Question

Lab diagnosis of hydatid cyst

Q102 marksShort Notes

Answer

Laboratory diagnosis of hydatid cyst (Echinococcus granulosus):

  • Imaging (ultrasound, CT, MRI) — the primary diagnostic modality, showing characteristic cystic lesions, often with internal daughter cysts/septations.
  • Serology — ELISA/indirect haemagglutination for anti-echinococcal antibody.
  • Microscopy — demonstration of protoscolices/hooklets (“hydatid sand”) in aspirated cyst fluid or surgical specimen, though direct aspiration carries a risk of anaphylaxis/dissemination and is generally avoided outside carefully controlled procedures (e.g., PAIR technique).
  • Casoni’s intradermal test — an older hypersensitivity skin test, now largely obsolete due to poor sensitivity/specificity and risk of anaphylaxis.
  • Eosinophilia — a supportive but non-specific laboratory finding.

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