Review: Molecular tools for the diagnosis of cystic and alveolar echinococcosis

In the past years, the diagnostic tools applied to identify alveolar (AE) a nd cystic echinococcosis (CE) in human patients have not only increased in number bur also substantially improved in quality. The identification and c haracterization of species-specific parasite proteins/antigens allowed to g enerate subsequently recombinant or synthetic polypeptide antigens, as well as corresponding monoclonal antibodies. Some of these new tools have alrea dy demonstrated operating characteristics superior to conventional tests us ed for the immunodiagnosis of CE and AE, and thus may be suggested for rout ine laboratory application. Powerful molecular techniques, such as the poly merase chain reaction (PCR), have been developed and adapted to advance lab oratory diagnosis of AE and CE. Detecting minute amounts of parasite DNA an d mRNA, not only to identify but also to characterize the biological status of parasite material, thus becomes a complementary method to synergize imm unodiagnostic techniques. This review focuses on recent developments of mol ecular tools, discussing their potential use as a primary or a supporting d iagnostic element. We also outline some future developments to be undertake n in the field of molecular diagnosis, linked to clinical and laboratory pr oblems.