The pathology of echinococcosis and the current echinococcosis problem in Western Turkey (A report of pathologic features in 80 cases)

Echinococcosis is an infection caused by Echinococcus granulosusand E. multilocularis. It manifests as cyst formations in various organs, affecting both humans and animals. The cysts may be unilocular ( E. granulosus) or multilocular ( E. multilocularis). Multilocular cysts have particular significance, for their macroscopic appearance is reminiscent of malignant tumors and their prognosis is poor. The purpose of this study is to describe our cases and to start a discussion on the current echinococcosis problem in zmir, western Anatolia. The pathological features of 80 cases of echinococcosis diagnosed at Dokuz Eylül University Pathology Department over the last 21 years have been reviewed. Seventy-two of the 80 cases were caused by E. granulosus and the rest were caused by E. multilocularis. Fifty-five patients (68.75%) were female and 25 (31.25%) were male. The most common localization was the liver (56.25%). Hydatid disease due to cystic echinococcosis is one of the most important public health and economic problems in Turkey. The disease occurs predominantly in eastern Anatolia but may be encountered in any part of the country.