Echinococcus multilocularis and other zoonotic helminths in red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) from a southern German hotspot for human alveolar echinococcosis.

Background: We describe the spatial distribution of Echinococcus multilocularis in its main definitive host, the red fox, and the distribution of human cases of alveolar echinococcosis (AE) within a highly endemic focus in southern Germany (13.7-19.9/100,000 in 1992-2018).

An optimized protocol for isolation of hepatic leukocytes retrieved from murine and NASH liver biopsies.

Immune dysregulation and inflammation by hepatic-resident leukocytes is considered a key step in disease progression of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis toward cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Here, we provide a protocol for isolation and characterization of liver-resident immune cells from fine-needle biopsies obtained from a rodent model and humans. We describe steps for isolating leukocytes, cell sorting, and RNA extraction and sequencing.

[Diagnostic delaying factors in hepatic alveolar echinococcosis].

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to analyze the diagnostic workflow of patients with alveolar echinococcosis (AE) and to identify possible diagnosis-delaying factors.

Methods: The number and type of diagnostic procedures of patients diagnosed with alveolar echinococcosis were investigated. The disease history was recorded on the basis of questionnaires, the available findings, and data supplements from the hospital information system (SAP).

Dog Ownership and Risk for Alveolar Echinococcosis, Germany.

Human alveolar echinococcosis is caused by the parasite Echinococcus multilocularis, and dog ownership has been identified as a risk factor. We sought to specify the factors of dog ownership underlying this risk by conducting a case-control study among dog owners in Germany. The analysis revealed an increased odds ratio of ≈7-fold for dog owners whose dogs roam unattended in fields, 13-fold for dog owners who feed their dogs organic waste daily, 4-fold for dog owners who take their dog to a veterinarian only in case of illness, and 10-fold for dog owners who have never been informed by a veterinarian about the risk for infection.

Differentiation of hepatic alveolar echinococcosis with a hemangioma-like pattern compared to typical liver hemangioma using contrast-enhanced ultrasound: a pilot study.

Purpose: Echinococcus multilocularis infects humans as a false intermediate host, primarily with intrahepatic manifestation. Incorrect diagnostic interpretation of these liver tumors, especially the hemangioma-like pattern, can lead to progressive disease. The aim of the study was to investigate the differentiation of typical hemangioma and a hemangioma-like pattern of E.

Contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) in patients with metastasis-like hepatic alveolar echinococcosis: a cohort study.

Purpose: Hepatic alveolar echinococcosis (HAE) of the metastasis-like pattern, according to the Echinococcus Ulm classification, is usually discovered as an incidental finding, and the diagnostic differentiation from "true metastases" is difficult. The aim of this study was to investigate whether lesions of the "metastasis-like pattern" in HAE show a typical contrast behavior that can be used for differentiation from metastasis in malignancies.

Methods: This prospective clinical study included 11 patients with histologically confirmed HAE of the metastasis-like pattern (7 female and 4 male; mean age, 57.

[Spread and Development of Alveolar Echinococcosis in Germany, 1992-2018].

Goal Of The Study: Alveolar echinococcosis (AE) is a rare parasitosis caused by the pathogen . There is an increase in the number of cases in many countries. The aim of the study was to investigate the current prevalence and the change in the geographical distribution pattern.

Long-term follow-up of liver alveolar echinococcosis using echinococcosis multilocularis ultrasound classification.

Background: When infects humans as a false intermediate host, alveolar echinococcosis (AE) usually manifests primarily intrahepatically and is initially asymptomatic. If the disease remains undiagnosed and untreated, progressive growth occurs, reminiscent of malignant tumours. The only curative therapy is complete resection, which is limited to localised stages, and palliative drug therapy is used otherwise.

Comparison of point and two-dimensional shear wave elastography of the spleen in healthy subjects.

Background: Few systematic comparative studies of the different methods of physical elastography of the spleen are currently available.

Aim: To compare point shear wave and two-dimensional elastography of the spleen considering the anatomical location (upper, hilar, and lower pole).

Methods: As part of a prospective clinical study, healthy volunteers were examined for splenic elasticity using four different ultrasound devices between May 2015 and April 2017.

Distribution of alveolar echinococcosis according to environmental and geographical factors in Germany, 1992-2018.

Alveolar echinococcosis (AE) is a rare zoonotic disease caused by the larval stage of Echinococcus multilocularis. Despite its low world-wide prevalence, this disease shows differences in the regional distribution of cases. In the present cohort study, we analyse the distribution of AE according to environmental and geographical factors in Germany.

[An Update on the Epidemiological Situation of Alveolar Echinococcosis: Recording and Reporting Structures in Austria, Switzerland and Germany].

Objective:  Alveolar echinococcosis (AE) is a rare disease in Austria, Switzerland and Germany (DACh) caused by an infection with the parasite Echinococcus multilocularis. The aim of the study was to describe differences in the detection and reporting systems of alveolar echinococcosis in Austria, Switzerland and Germany and to describe epidemiological trends.

Methodology:  As part of an epidemiological update on 6 September 2019 in Ulm, Germany, experts and representatives discussed differences in the reporting and recording systems as well as the current epidemiological situation.

Surgery versus conservative drug therapy in alveolar echinococcosis patients in Germany - A health-related quality of life comparison.

Alveolar echinococcosis (AE) is a rare zoonosis caused by the parasite . Nothing is known about the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in patients with AE receiving different types of therapy. Therefore, the aim of the study was to compare HRQoL in patients with AE in Germany depending on their therapeutic regimen namely conservative drug treatment with long-term benzimidazoles versus surgical therapy by resection of the parasitic liver lesions.

Health-related quality of life in patients with alveolar echinococcosis: a cross-sectional study.

Purpose: The Alveolar echinococcosis (AE) is a rare zoonosis caused by the parasite Echinococcus multilocularis. To date, nothing is known about the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in patients with AE. The aim of the study was to evaluate the HRQoL in patients with AE in comparison of the healthy population.