Does HIV co-infection promote Echinococcus dissemination?

The influence of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) on the severity of hepatic cystic echinococcosis (CE) is uncertain. HIV-modulated immune suppression may increase the risk of contracting CE with less self-limiting disease, more rapid progression, and a higher likelihood of complications. A 30-year-old male with concurrent, untreated HIV underwent surgery for two large, complicated hepatic CE cysts, which were replacing the right hemiliver, and innumerable peritoneal daughter cysts.

The role of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography in the treatment of hepatic cystic Echinococcus in a high HIV prevalence population: a retrospective cohort study.

Background: Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is a useful, minimally invasive intervention in managing complicated hepatic cystic echinococcosis (HCE). This study aims to assess the use of ERCP in a South African HCE cohort with and without human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) co-infection.

Methods: An analysis was performed of patients with HCE who were assessed for surgery and underwent ERCP at a tertiary hospital in South Africa between 2011 and 2023.