Which one of the following is NOT appropriate treatment for Echinococcus granulosus and hydatid disease?
Hydatid Disease Treatment Overview
Hydatid disease is caused by the tapeworm Echinococcus granulosus. Effective treatment aims to eliminate the parasite or manage the cysts formed. Standard approaches include medication and surgical or minimally invasive procedures.
Evaluating Treatment Appropriateness
Let's analyze the options provided regarding treatment for Echinococcus granulosus and hydatid disease:
- Option 1: Albendazole - This benzimidazole is a primary medical treatment for echinococcosis, often given for extended periods (e.g., 3 months or longer). The dosage mentioned (400 mg twice daily) is standard.
- Option 2: Diethylcarbamazine (DEC) - This drug is specifically used to treat lymphatic filariasis caused by organisms like *Wuchereria bancrofti*. It is NOT effective against Echinococcus granulosus or hydatid cysts.
- Option 3: PAIR Procedure - Percutaneous Aspiration-Injection-Reaspiration (PAIR) is a recognized minimally invasive technique for managing hydatid cysts, especially in suitable locations and sizes.
- Option 4: Praziquantel - While benzimidazoles like Albendazole are preferred, Praziquantel is sometimes considered or used in combination therapy for certain cestode infections, although it's not the first-line drug for hydatid disease.
Identifying Inappropriate Therapy
Based on established medical guidelines, Diethylcarbamazine (DEC) is not indicated for the treatment of Echinococcus granulosus infection. Its mechanism of action and spectrum of activity target different types of parasites (filarial worms). Therefore, the regimen of Diethylcarbamazine 2 mg/kg thrice daily for 12 days is inappropriate for hydatid disease.
Conclusion: Diethylcarbamazine is not an appropriate treatment for Echinococcus granulosus and hydatid disease.
Important Questions from Metazoan Infections
- Which among the following is the first intermediate host for the parasitic fluke Clonorchis sinensis?
Which among the following are hepatobiliary flukes (trematodes)?
1. Clonorchis sinensis
2. Mansonella perstans
3. Fasciola hepatica
4. Opisthorchis felineus
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
- Which among the following parasitic helminths is a nematode and has zoonotic transmission?
Which of the following statements are correct in respect of scabies?
1. Male mite Sarcoptes scabiei are commonly transferred from an infected person to a non-infected person.
2. Norwegian scabies occur in immunodeficient patients.
3. Permethrin cream (5%) is used for treatment.
4. Pruritus intensifies at night and after hot shower.
Select the answer using the code given below :
Consider the following statements with regard to cysticercosis :
1. It may present as personality change.
2. Subcutaneous nodule may excised for histology.
3. Cerebral signs commonly do not occur until the larvae die, 5-20 years later.
4. Praziquantel can be given for 10 days.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
