Histopathology and Serological Diagnosis of Human Hydatidosis

Hydatid disease or echinococcosis, a systemic zoonotic disease caused by the larval stage of the Echinococcus tapeworm. The word ‘hydatid’ which is of Greek origin, literally means a ‘watery vesicle’.At present, it remains endemic in many parts of the world, most notably the Mediterranean region, the Middle East, South America, New Zealand, and Australia due to the close association between humans and both sheep and dogs. Hydatid disease can involve almost every organ of the body; the liver (75%) and lungs (15%) being the predominant locations as well as the other anatomical regions such as brain (1–2%), spine (1%), and orbit. Hydatidosis has proved to be a great world wide health problem. All efforts should be directed towards prevention and control of this problem. Emphasis should be on programs to reduce the reservoir of infection and hence transmission of this disease.