2097. Echinococcus granulosus, IgG antibodies

The test detects IgG antibodies to Echinococcus granulosus, a parasite that causes echinococcosis (primarily in the liver and lungs). IgG antibodies appear in the blood 2-8 weeks after infection and can persist for years, even after treatment. Their presence indicates contact with the pathogen and may indicate an active or past infestation.

Echinococcus granulosus is the causative agent of echinococcosis, a helminthiasis in which cysts filled with echinococcus larvae form in organs (most commonly the liver, less commonly the lungs, brain, or spleen). The primary source of infection is dogs and wild carnivores, which shed helminth eggs in their feces. Humans become infected through the fecal-oral route – through contact with the animal, contaminated household items, water, or food.

The disease can remain asymptomatic for a long time until the cyst reaches a significant size or becomes complicated (rupture, suppuration, compression of surrounding structures). Symptoms depend on the location:

• with liver involvement – pain or heaviness in the right hypochondrium, liver enlargement, dyspepsia;
• with lung involvement – cough, shortness of breath, chest pain.

In severe cases, allergic reactions or anaphylactic shock may occur due to cyst rupture.

A test for detecting IgG antibodies to Echinococcus granulosus has high sensitivity and specificity and is widely used as part of a comprehensive diagnosis of echinococcosis.

• Adults and children with appropriate clinical symptoms for the diagnosis of echinococcosis.
• Individuals with detected space-occupying lesions in the lungs or liver.
• Representatives of high-risk groups – hunters, fur breeders, workers in the leather goods industry, dog owners and their families.
• To monitor the effectiveness of surgical treatment of echinococcosis cysts.

• Venous blood

In order to exclude factors that may affect the test results, we recommend to follow the preparation rules: