1st order laboratory parameters – obligatory laboratory tests.
- Antibody detection using:
- IHA (Indirect Hemagglutination).
- ELISA (Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay) [sensitivity: CE1 + CE2: approximately 90%; CE4 + CE5: sensitivity: <50%]
- IFT (indirect immunofluorescence).
- Western blot (Western blot; transfer (English blotting) of proteins onto a carrier membrane, which can subsequently be detected via different reactions) [specificity: high].
– negative serology does not exclude the disease!
- Molecular genetic testing
- Differential blood count [eosinophilia]
2nd order laboratory parameters – depending on the results of the history, physical examination and obligatory laboratory parameters – for differential diagnostic clarification.
- Histological examinations from puncture/surgical material – detection of scolices (structure formed in tapeworms (Cestoda; only in Eucestoda) and representing the anterior end) in cyst aspirate (puncture only under albendazole protection)Note: Puncture for aspiration of parasite material is only justified if the diagnosis cannot be confirmed by imaging and serology!
Direct or indirect detection of Echinococcus sp. is reportable (Law on Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases in Humans).
