Comparative analysis of radiological and serological methods for diagnosis of cystic echinococcosis

Abstract Cystic echinococcosis (CE) diagnosis relies on clinical signs, serological tests, radiological findings and histopathology. Lack of pathognomonic features or clinician inexperience can make CE diagnosis challenging. In this study, we aimed to investigate the demographic, serological, and radiological characteristics of individuals with a preliminary diagnosis of CE. A total of 1,410 serum samples from 1,265 patients were analysed for the presence of IgG antibodies Anti-Echinococcus granulosus IgG using chemiluminescence immunoassay (CLIA) and indirect haemagglutination assay (IHA). Among these, 148 samples showed serological and radiological findings compatible with CE. Echinococcal cysts were confirmed by ultrasonography, computed tomography, or magnetic resonance imaging. Among the 148 patients compatible with CE, 88 were women (59.5%) with a mean age of 45.0 ± 19.1 years, and 60 were men with a mean age of 35.4 ± 18.3 years. Although there was no significant difference between the sexes regarding the number, location, size, or complications, the mean age of female patients was higher than that of male patients. Our findings suggest that radiological methods are essential for assessing cyst size and activity, while serological methods provide complementary diagnostic value and contribute to generating important epidemiological data. As CE is a zoonosis, collaboration with veterinary surveillance is essential for effective control.