Hydatidosis

Hydatidosis is a zoonosis caused by parasites housed in the small intestine of dogs. The cycle of the disease begins when the dogs ingest the raw or undercooked entrails of ruminants slaughtered domestically. When the dog defecates, it contaminates the soil. The parasite enters the human body when a person eats poorly washed vegetables, drinks contaminated water, or is in contact with the mouth of an infected dog.

This disease can be prevented. The regular vermifuge treatment of dogs, the improvement of hygiene during slaughter and public education campaigns reduce transmission and alleviate the burden of human morbidity that this disease produces.

Cysts produced by hydatidosis can be treated with medication and, in some cases, with surgery. However, since the asymptomatic incubation period usually lasts many years and is potentially fatal, timely diagnosis is of fundamental importance.

To combat hydatidosis, we work on prevention, diagnosis and treatment, developing programs and projects aligned with our three pillars: translational research, knowledge dissemination and public-private cooperation.

In partnership with public organizations and NGOs, we promote a comprehensive approach to this disease through the Early Detection of Cystic Echinococcosis program in periurban neighbourhoods or rural areas of the provinces of Santiago del Estero and Chaco; the Ultrasound Register of Hydatidosis in primary school students from the locality of Alto la Sierra (Salta); and we give training courses to professionals for the ultrasound detection of hepatic hydatidosis in schoolchildren.

Regarding research, we conduct the project of “Comprehensive Approach to Hydatidosis in provinces of Argentina: Circulating Species and Genotypes of Echinococcus and Early Detection in Humans”, in collaboration with the Parasitology Laboratory of the National Laboratories and Health Institutes Administration (ANLIS) “Carlos G. Malbrán” and ELEA Phoenix Laboratories.