UNASSIGNED: Primary splenic hydatidosis, a rare manifestation of Echinococcus granulosus infection, presents unique diagnostic and therapeutic challenges. This study compares spleen-preserving surgeries with total splenectomy for treating primary splenic hydatid cysts, focusing on short- and long-term outcomes in the Jordanian context, a region particularly affected by this condition.
UNASSIGNED: This retrospective analysis was conducted on 18 patients diagnosed with primary splenic hydatid cysts at two Jordanian hospitals from January 2015 to June 2021. Selection criteria included confirmed diagnosis and complete medical records. Surgical approaches, including laparoscopic partial splenectomy, cystectomy, and cyst deroofing, supplemented by albendazole therapy, were compared based on patient demographics, symptoms, surgical details, complications, and recurrence rates.
UNASSIGNED: The study group was composed of (n=7, 38.9%) male and (n=11, 61.1%) female patients, with an average age of 33.7 years. Most presented with left upper quadrant pain. Postoperative complications occurred in 22% of patients, with an 11% recurrence rate during follow-up. No significant statistical difference in recurrence rates was observed between spleen-preserving surgeries and total splenectomy. These findings highlight the efficacy of less invasive, spleen-preserving techniques in managing primary splenic hydatidosis, showing comparable outcomes to total splenectomy with minimal impact on recurrence rates.
UNASSIGNED: Spleen-preserving surgery offers a viable alternative to total splenectomy in treating primary splenic hydatid cysts. This approach maintains immune functionality and reduces septic risks, especially in pediatric patients. The study underscores the importance of individualized treatment approaches and suggests further research with larger cohorts for more comprehensive insights into managing this rare condition. The limitations of this study include its small sample size and retrospective nature.

Cystic echinococcosis (CE) remains a major human public health problem in Algeria. Surgical treatment is the gold standard. However, one of the most critical complications of surgery is a recurrence of the disease, which is attributed to the dissemination of protoscoleces during the operation. This study aimed to compare the scolicidal effect of two ethanolic and aqueous extracts of Atriplex halimus, a plant used by the Algerian population against CE. The comparison involved the assessment of the phytochemical content, making screening using GC-MS/MS, and the evaluation of the antioxidant activity using DPPH and the in vitro scolicidal effect of A. halimus extracts. The aqueous and ethanolic extracts of leaves contained 19.601 ± 0.016 and 15.406 ± 0.003 mg of gallic acid equivalent per g of extract (GAE/g extract) of total phenolic. However, the flavonoid content in ethanolic and aqueous extracts was 4.350 ± 0.023 and 1.995 ± 0.026 mg of quercetin equivalent per g (QE/g extract), respectively. Four compounds were identified by GC-MS/MS for the ethanolic extract, while twenty-three compounds were determined for the aqueous extract. The ethanolic and aqueous extracts of A. halimus demonstrated an antioxidant activity with IC50 = 0.850 ± 0.026 mg/ml and IC50 = 0.897 ± 0.060 mg/ml, respectively. The higher in vitro scolicidal effect was 100% after 90 min and 10 min at 100 and 150 mg/ml, respectively for the ethanolic extract and after 120 and 60 min at 100 and 150 mg/ml, respectively for the aqueous extract. Atriplex halimus could be used as a natural source for the production of a potential scolicidal agent for use during CE surgery and/or percutaneous interventions.

UNASSIGNED: Cystic echinococcosis (CE) is a widespread neglected zoonotic disease caused by Echinococcus granulosus sensu lato (EG) with a global burden of control in the billions of dollars. E. granulosus\' life cycle involves definitive, intermediate, and humans as dead-end hosts. Echinococcosis control programs use strategies that focus on any of these hosts. We aimed to provide a comprehensive and up-to-date overview of the EG control interventions worldwide.
UNASSIGNED: We conducted a scoping review by mapping all studies on interventions for EG control following the Arksey and O\'Malley Framework. We screened identified articles, and charted and coded selected papers. We classified the data based on target host, type of study, and control mechanism. We described the efficacy or safety outcomes, and the associated barriers/facilitators for the intervention. Critical appraisal was conducted.
UNASSIGNED: From 7,853 screened studies, we analyzed 45: seven centered on human interventions, 21 on animals, and 17 on both. Studies on humans focused on educational strategies and human CE monitoring. The studies on animals were field trials and most were based on Praziquantel (PZQ) for dogs. Studies focused on both animals and humans had, in general, more participants, lasted longer, and covered larger geographical areas. Overall, the quality of studies was moderate to low.
UNASSIGNED: Available evidence suggests that long-term interventions aimed at both animals and humans can achieve significant reduction in EG transmission, particularly when PZQ treatment for dogs is included. Higher quality evidence, standardization of methodologies, and better reporting on post-intervention outcomes are necessary for drawing stronger conclusions. Further evidence is needed to assess the sustainability and scalability of control measures. Nonetheless, an integrative One Health approach is essential for overcoming the multiple challenges associated with sustaining long-term control efforts for Echinococcosis.

BACKGROUND: Cystic echinococcosis (CE) is a zoonotic disease caused by the larval stage of the dog tapeworm Echinococcus granulosus sensu lato (E. granulosus), with a worldwide distribution. The current treatment strategy for CE is insufficient. Limited drug screening models severely hamper the discovery of effective anti-echinococcosis drugs.
METHODS: In the present study, using high-content screening technology, we developed a novel high-throughput screening (HTS) assay by counting the ratio of propidium iodide-stained dead protoscoleces (PSCs) to the total number of PSCs. In vitro and ex vivo cyst viability assays were utilized to determine the effect of drugs on cyst viability.
RESULTS: Using the newly established HTS assay, we screened approximately 12,000 clinical-stage or The Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved small molecules from the Repurposing, Focused Rescue, and Accelerated Medchem (ReFRAME) library, as well as the LOPAC1280 and SelleckChem libraries, as a strategic approach to facilitate the drug discovery process. Initial screening yielded 173 compounds with anti-echinococcal properties, 52 of which demonstrated dose-response efficacy against E. granulosus PSCs in vitro. Notably, two agents, omaveloxolone and niclosamide, showed complete inhibition upon further validation in cyst and microcyst viability assays in vitro after incubation for 3 days, and in an ex vivo cyst viability assay using cysts isolated from the livers of mice infected with E. granulosus, as determined by morphological assessment.
CONCLUSIONS: Through the development of a novel HTS assay and by repurposing libraries, we identified omaveloxolone and niclosamide as potent inhibitors against E. granulosus. These compounds show promise as potential anti-echinococcal drugs, and our strategic approach has the potential to promote drug discovery for parasitic infections.

UNASSIGNED: Hydatid cysts, caused by Echinococcus granulosus, are a significant public health problem in regions such as Tunisia and Morocco. These cysts primarily affect the liver and lungs but can also involve the spleen, kidneys, bones, and brain. Peritoneal hydatidosis, involving the formation of hydatid cysts in the peritoneal cavity, is a rare manifestation of this disease. This case report aims to highlight the presentation, diagnostic process, and surgical management of a primary peritoneal hydatid cyst.
METHODS: A 73-year-old asymptomatic woman with no significant medical history was found to have a hypoechoic mass with a calcified wall in the liver segment IV and multiple multiloculated cystic masses in the peritoneum on an incidental abdominal ultrasound. Further evaluation with a CT scan revealed a hydatid cyst in liver segments IV and V and additional cystic formations in the peritoneum. Surgical exploration via midline incision identified and treated cysts in the omentum, liver, spleen, and pouch of Douglas. A total pericystectomy and other relevant procedures were performed. The patient\'s postoperative course was uncomplicated, and she recovered well.
CONCLUSIONS: Peritoneal hydatidosis is typically secondary to hepatic hydatid cysts, caused by the parasite Echinococcus granulosus. The diagnosis is made primarily through imaging techniques such as CT and ultrasonography, which help to delineate the cysts and their relationships with adjacent structures. Treatment involves both medical and surgical approaches, with surgery being the primary intervention to prevent complications and recurrence. Scolicidal solutions are essential during surgery to prevent the dissemination of scolices.
CONCLUSIONS: Primary peritoneal hydatidosis is a rare condition that is usually secondary to liver involvement. It is diagnosed by imaging and treated primarily through surgical intervention. Accurate diagnosis and timely management are crucial to prevent complications and ensure a favourable outcome.

Hydatid cyst disease, caused by the larval stage of Echinococcus granulosus, is a parasitic infection endemic in many regions, including South Asia. We present a case of a 36-year-old South Asian female with concurrent liver and peritoneal hydatid cysts, emphasizing the diagnostic challenges and management complexities associated with this condition. The patient presented with abdominal pain, nausea, and decreased appetite, and imaging studies revealed characteristic cystic lesions in the liver and peritoneum. Initial medical management with albendazole was followed by surgical excision due to inadequate response to therapy. Postoperative care included prophylactic albendazole to prevent recurrence. This case highlights the importance of a multidisciplinary approach involving medical therapy and surgical intervention tailored to the individual patient\'s needs and disease presentation.

BACKGROUND: Thyroid Hydatid Cyst (THC), a pathological state induced by the larval form of Echinococcus granulosus, represents a multifaceted clinical entity with nonspecific symptoms, making both diagnosis and treatment intricate. The current understanding of THC\'s attributes is somewhat limited. To gain a broader perspective on the disease\'s clinical and epidemiological characteristics, we have systematically reviewed the existing literature.
METHODS: We performed an extensive review of articles on THC across four key scientific databases: PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar. Our study encompassed all patients diagnosed with THC through post-surgical pathology or Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology (FNAC) examinations, extracting clinical, epidemiological, and therapeutic data of THC patients from publications up to October 2023.
RESULTS: From 770 articles, 57 met our criteria, detailing 75 THC patients. The gender ratio was 2.36 females per one male. The patients averaged 36.1 years old, with common symptoms including neck mass, hoarseness, shortness of breath, and dysphagia. The left lobe was involved in most patients, and only 21.3% had extrathyroidal involvement. Cysts averaged 36.4 mm in diameter, with cystic nodules being the most frequent imaging finding (91.2%). Serological tests were performed for 42.6% of cases, of which 62.5% were positive. Surgery was undertaken in 71 patients (94.6%).
CONCLUSIONS: Cystic echinococcosis (CE) of the thyroid should be considered as part of the differential diagnosis in patients with cervicofacial mass, especially in endemic countries. The present study provides reliable data to improve our understanding of the features of the disease for a better diagnosis and management.

UNASSIGNED: Echinococcus granulosus is a widespread zoonotic parasitic disease, significantly impacting human health and livestock development; however, no vaccine is currently available for humans. Our preliminary studies indicate that recombinant antigen P29 (rEg.P29) is a promising candidate for vaccine.
UNASSIGNED: Sheep were immunized with rEg.P29, and venous blood was collected at various time points. Serum was isolated, and the presence of specific antibodies was detected using ELISA. We designed and synthesized a total of 45 B cell monopeptides covering rEg.P29 using the overlap method. ELISA was employed to assess the serum antibodies of the immunized sheep for recognition of these overlapping peptides, leading to the preliminary identification of B cell epitopes. Utilizing these identified epitopes, new single peptides were designed, synthesized, and used to optimize and confirm B-cell epitopes.
UNASSIGNED: rEg.P29 effectively induces a sustained antibody response in sheep, particularly characterized by high and stable levels of IgG. Eight B-cell epitopes of were identified, which were mainly distributed in three regions of rEg.P29. Finally, three B cell epitopes were identified and optimized: rEg.P2971-90, rEg.P29151-175, and rEg.P29211-235. These optimized epitopes were well recognized by antibodies in sheep and mice, and the efficacy of these three epitopes significantly increased when they were linked in tandem.
UNASSIGNED: Three B-cell epitopes were identified and optimized, and the efficacy of these epitopes was significantly enhanced by tandem connection, which indicated the feasibility of tandem peptide vaccine research. This laid a solid foundation for the development of epitope peptide vaccine for Echinococcus granulosus.

Cystic echinococcosis (CE) is a zoonotic disease caused by the parasite Echinococcus granulosus (E. granulosus), which can lead to the formation of liver lesions. Research indicates that E. granulosus releases both Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2) and Interleukin-9 (IL-9), which can potentially impair the body\'s innate immune defenses and compromise the liver\'s ability to fight against diseases. To investigate the role of TLR2 and IL-9 in liver damage caused by E. granulosus infection, samples were initially collected from individuals diagnosed with CE. Subsequently, BALB/c mice were infected with E. granulosus at multiple time points (4 weeks, 12 weeks, 32 weeks) and the expression levels of these markers was then assessed at each of these phases. Furthermore, a BALB/c mouse model was generated and administered anti-IL-9 antibody via intraperitoneal injection. The subsequent analysis focused on the TLR2/MyD88/NF-κB signaling pathway and the expression of IL-9 in E. granulosus was examined. A co-culture experiment was conducted using mouse mononuclear macrophage cells (RAW264.7) and hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) in the presence of E. granulosus Protein (EgP). The findings indicated elevated levels of IL-9 and TLR2 in patients with CE, with the activation of the signaling pathway significantly increased as the duration of infection progressed. Administration of anti-IL-9 in mice reduced the activation of the TLR2/MyD88/NF-κB signaling pathway, exacerbating liver injury. Moreover, EgP stimulates the TLR2/MyD88/NF-κB signaling pathway, resulting in the synthesis of α-SMA and Collagen I. The data suggest that infection with E. granulosus may stimulate the production of IL-9 through the activation of the TLR2/MyD88/NF-κB signaling pathway, which is mediated by TLR2. This activation stimulates RAW264.7 and HSCs, exacerbating liver injury and fibrosis.

Hydatidosis is a parasitic disease caused by the tapeworm Echinococcus. Echinococcus Granulosus is the most common cause of hydatid disease in humans. Bone involvement is rare, accounting for only 0.9% to 2.5% of all cases. We report the case of an 8-year-old child admitted with right arm pain, revealing a hydatid cyst on the humerus. Lesion assessment revealed a hydatid cyst of the humerus with extension to the adjacent soft tissues. The surgical procedure involved the excision of the cyst along with drainage. In this case report, we review the epidemiological, clinical, and paraclinical aspects of the disease, as well as the treatment modalities. Bone hydatid disease is infiltrative, diffuse, slow, and progressive, making diagnosis late, and compromising the quality of treatment.