Diagnostic test for Cystic Echinococcosis (CE Ab)

Echinococcosis is a parasitic disease caused by infection with tapeworms of the genus Echinocococcus. Cystic echinococcosis (CE) is caused by E.granulosus and sheep are the intermediate hosts of the parasite. Sheep become infected from grazing contaminated pasture. Once ingested by the intermediate host (sheep), the oncosphere hatches from the egg, penetrates the intestinal mucosa, and migrates through the bloodstream to internal organs such as the liver.
The G1 genotype of Echinococcus granulosus sensu stricto is responsible for the vast majority (88%) of human cases worldwide. It has a cosmopolitan distribution and is associated with transmission from sheep. From the embryo released from an egg develops a hydatid cyst, which grows to about 5–10 cm within the first year and is able to survive within organs for years. Sheep or goats tend to suffer no ill effects and after initial exposure their resistance generally prevents new cysts from forming.