Thread by @fortheloveofmi2

Wet mount and gram stain showing free hooklets of Echinococcus spp on cyst fluid from a 75 yr old F. Circled the hooklets in following pictures.

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Echinococcosis or hydatid disease is caused by the larval stage of the dog tapeworm, Echinococcus granulosus. The definitive host for this disease is the dog or other canids and the intermediate hosts are cattle,sheep,pigs,goats or camels. Man is an accidental intermediate host

Hydatid disease in humans is potentially dangerous depending on the location of the cyst. Some cysts may remain undetected for many years until they become large enough to affect other organs. Symptoms are then of a space occupying lesion.

Lung cysts are usually asymptomatic until there is cough, shortness of breath or chest pain. Serious allergic sequelae, including anaphylactic shock, may occur if there is fluid leakage from the cyst in a patient previously sensitised by small fluid leaks into the circulation.

Imaging and serodiagnosis are the mainstay of diagnosis. Serological tests include Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), an indirect haemagglutination test and a complement fixation test. .

Microscopic examination of the cyst fluid to look for the characteristic protoscoleces which can be either invaginated or evaginated. The cyst fluid will also reveal free hooklets.