Immunological follow-up of hydatid cyst cases

Hydatid disease is caused by Echinococcus granulosus. In this study, we aim ed to investigate the benefit of monitoring cases with hydatid cyst by mean s of immune components in patients in a long-term follow-up after surgery. Eighty-four preoperative and postoperative serum samples from 14 cases unde rgoing surgery for hydatid disease were evaluated in terms of immune parame ters, such as total and specific IgE, IgG, IgM, IgA and complement. Total a nd specific IgE were determined by ELISA. Specific Ig G levels were measure d by indirect hemaglutination. total IgG, IgM, IgA and complement (C3 and C 4) were detected by nephelometry. Imaging studies were also carried out dur ing the follow-up. In none of the patients hydatid cysts were detected duri ng the follow-up. total IgE levels in the sera of the patients decreased to normal six months after surgery. Although specific IgE against echinococca l antigens decreased one year after operation, levels were still significan tly high. There were no changes in the levels of anti-Echinococcus IgG and total IgG in follow-up period. Additionally, other parameters, such as IgA, IgM, C3 and C4, were not affected.