title: [Case definitions and clinical evaluation of patients infected with Echinococcus multilocularis treated in the Poznań centre].
abstract: Recent epidemiological reports have shown an increasing risk of E. multilocularis infection among red foxes and humans in Poland. The aims of the study were: (i) to improve the early detection of alveolar echinococcosis (AE) in humans by implementation of clinical, imaging, immunodiagnostic, ultrastructural and molecular methods, (ii) to realize the parasitological verification of registered cases suspected of alveococcosis by the specialized, parasitological centres, and (iii) to standardize diagnostic and therapeutic procedures for this severe parasitic disease. Since 1993, eight cases of AE were registered in the Poznań centre. The final diagnosis was based on PAS-positive staining of lesions by histopathology or a detection of the parasite's DNA in liver sections. Collaboration with physicians of various medical specialities is crucial for an early and more effective recognition of AE. Alveococcosis should always be considered in the differential diagnosis of space-occupying lesions in the liver suggesting slow-growing cancer.
authors.affiliation: Katedra i Klinika Chorób Tropikalnych i Pasozytniczych, Akademia Medyczna, Poznań.
authors.forename: Jerzy
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Stefaniak
authors.forename: Małgorzata
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Paul
authors.forename: Elzbieta
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Kacprzak
authors.forename: Jerzy
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Polański
authors.forename: Lidia
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Chomicz
authors.forename: Przemysłlaw
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Myjak
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000818:Animals; D000871:Anthelmintics / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000909:Antibodies, Helminth / Q000302:isolation & purification; D018509:DNA, Helminth / Q000302:isolation & purification; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D004444:Echinococcosis, Hepatic / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000276:immunology / Q000601:surgery; D048210:Echinococcus multilocularis; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008099:Liver / Q000473:pathology; D008113:Liver Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010808:Physical Examination; D011044:Poland; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D000871:Anthelmintics; D000909:Antibodies, Helminth; D018509:DNA, Helminth