Objective To summarize the research status of echinococcosis- specific vaccine antigens, analyze their sources and application prospects, and to provide new ideas for the development of echinococcosis vaccine antigens and drug treatment. Method Research on echinococcosis-specific vaccine antigens at home and abroad was searched and reviewed. Results Natural hydatid antigens, such as cystic fluid crude antigen, protoscolex segment, germinal layer, etc. often appear due to the difficulty of material acquisition and cumbersome preparation, resulting in unstable evaluation indicators such as sensitivity and specificity. The gene or protein sequences of a new recombinant hydatid antigen was accessible, the reproducibility and specificity were better, and it was more suitable for batch production testing, which was the main direction of current research, such as rAgB8/1, rEm18, rEm2, etc. Conclusions Vaccine development is one of the main directions for the elimination of hydatidosis. In the interaction between echinococcus and human or animal hosts, the natural structural proteins or excretion/secretion proteins of echinococcus stimulate the host to produce anti-parasites immunity and immune clearance, and the search for these specific protein antigens is of great significance for vaccine development, and new drug treatment.
Echinococcosis is a zoonotic disease that seriously threatened human health. The disease is widely distributed in China, including in Tibet Autonomous Region, Qinghai Province, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Sichuan Province, and other places, which has become a social and economic burden in China. Human beings are mainly infected with alveolar echinococcosis (AE) and cystic echinococcosis (CE), which mainly involves liver, lung, brain, bone, and other organs or tissues. The surgical resection is the first line treatment, and antiparasitic agents therapy is the main supplementary or salvage treatment method. Currently, classic drugs mainly include albendazole and praziquantel, which use alone or in combination. There are also some attempts to treat echinococcosis, including broad-spectrum anti infective drugs such as nitrozotocin, cell proliferation inhibiting drugs such as bortezomib, metabolic drugs such as metformin, or traditional medicines such as Artemisinin. It was also suggested to adopt a cancer management model for echinococcosis, and the imaging follow-up time for CE after antiparasitic chemotherapy should be at least 3 years, and for AE should be at least 10 years. More importantly, measures such as education and vaccine inoculation should be taken to actively prevent and control the occurrence and spread of echinococcosis.
Hepatic alveolar echinococcosis (HAE) is a severe zoonotic disease caused by Echinococcus multilocularis, primarily affecting the liver. Due to its insidious nature, the patients are often diagnosed at advanced stage, posing significant treatment challenges. We comprehensively examines the progress in surgical techniques for HAE management, focusing on various strategies across different disease stages. For the patients with early-stage HAE, ablation therapy has emerged as an effective treatment option. In the moderate to advanced cases, numerous surgical techniques and innovative approaches have been introduced, including laparoscopic surgery and liver transplantation, with particular emphasis on ex vivo liver resection and autotransplantation. These advancements offer more effective treatment options for the patients with advanced HAE. However, significant challenges persist, notably the preservation of adequate liver function while achieving complete lesion removal. Future research should prioritize the exploration and optimization of existing surgical methods, especially for advanced HAE cases. This includes refining surgical techniques through precise preoperative evaluation and staging, as well as developing novel surgical approaches to enhance safety and efficacy. Furthermore, multicenter and long-term follow-up prospective studies are crucial for validating the effectiveness of new surgical techniques and strategies. Through these concerted efforts, it is anticipated that the survival rates and quality of life for HAE patients will significantly be improved, marking a new era in the management of this complex disease.
【Abstract】ObjectiveTo introduce the clinical appliance of liver transplantation (LT) in the therapy of alveolar hydatid disease (AHD).MethodsThe related literatures were collected and reviewed.ResultsThe 5year survival rate of AHD was 71% after LT. Removing the liver and preventing the recurrence are the two major difficulties in the treatment.ConclusionAs the only feasible and effective therapy for advanced AHD, LT should be studied further.
ObjectiveTo investigate the risk factors affecting severe postoperative complications (Clavien-Dindo classification Ⅲa or higher) in patients with end-stage hepatic alveolar echinococcosis (HAE) underwent ex vivo liver resection and autotransplantation (ELRA), and to develop a nomogram prediction model. MethodsThe clinical data of end-stage HAE patients who underwent ELRA at the West China Hospital of Sichuan University from January 2014 to June 2024 were retrospectively analyzed. The logistic regression was used to analyze the risk factors affecting severe postoperative complications. A nomogram prediction model was established basing on LASSO regression and its efficiency was evaluated using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, calibration curve, and decision curve analysis. Simultaneously, a generalized linear model regression was used to explore the preoperative risk factors affecting the total surgery time. Test level was α=0.05. ResultsA total of 132 end-stage HAE patients who underwent ELRA were included. The severe postoperative complications occurred in 47 (35.6%) patients. The multivariate logistic analysis results showed that the patients with invasion of the main trunk of the portal vein or the first branch of the contralateral portal vein (type P2) had a higher risk of severe postoperative complications compared to those with invasion of the first branch of the ipsilateral portal vein (type P1) [odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI)=8.24 (1.53, 44.34), P=0.014], the patients with albumin bilirubin index (ALBI) grade 1 had a lower risk of severe postoperative complications compared to those with grade 2 or higher [OR(95%CI)=0.26(0.08, 0.83), P=0.023]. Additionally, an increased total surgery time or the autologous blood reinfusion was associated with an increased risk of severe postoperative complications [OR(95%CI)=1.01(1.00, 1.01), P=0.009; OR(95%CI)=1.00(1.00, 1.00), P=0.043]. The nomogram prediction model constructed with two risk factors, ALBI grade and total surgery time, selected by LASSO regression, showed a good discrimination for the occurrence of severe complications after ELRA [area under the ROC curve (95%CI) of 0.717 (0.625, 0.808)]. The generalized linear regression model analysis identified the invasion of the portal vein to extent type P2 and more distant contralateral second portal vein branch invasion (type P3), as well as the presence of distant metastasis, as risk factors affecting total surgery time [β (95%CI) for type P2/type P1=110.26 (52.94, 167.58), P<0.001; β (95%CI) for type P3/type P1=109.25 (50.99, 167.52), P<0.001; β (95%CI) for distant metastasis present/absent=61.22 (4.86, 117.58), P=0.035]. ConclusionsFrom the analysis results of this study, for the end-stage HAE patients with portal vein invasion degree type P2, ALBI grade 2 or above, longer total surgery time, and more autologous blood transfusion need to be closely monitored. Preoperative strict evaluation of the first hepatic portal invasion and distant metastasis is necessary to reduce the risk of severe complications after ELRA. The nomogram prediction model constructed based on ABLI grade and total surgery time in this study demonstrates a good predictive performance for severe postoperative complications, which can provide a reference for clinical intervention decision-making.
We comprehensively outlined the application of imaging, immunology, and molecular biology techniques in the detection of hepatic echinococcosis (HE). Imaging techniques, represented by ultrasound, computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, and positron emission tomography, not only provided some critical information about the morphology, location, and characteristics of HE lesions, but also could be combined with artificial intelligence technologies to enhance the diagnostic capabilities and expand the application scenarios. These techniques were essential tools for the diagnosis, screening, and prevention of HE. Immunological techniques, such as the indirect hemagglutination assay, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, immunoblotting, and chemiluminescence immunoassay, aided in diagnosis and differential diagnosis by detecting the specific antibodies. Molecular biology techniques, such as polymerase chain reaction and high-throughput sequencing, provided a strong support for the diagnosis and pathogen identification of HE due to their high sensitivity and specificity. Based on these three major technologies, more sensitive, specific, convenient, and cost-effective detection techniques had emerged, offering more options for the detection and control of HE. Additionally, constructing comprehensive diagnostic models by combining the advantages of different detection technologies will aid to improve the diagnostic efficiency of HE.
Objective To analyze the clinical manifestations, diagnosis, treatment and prognosis of bone hydatid disease in China by literature review. Methods We searched the databases of China National Knowledge Infrastructure and Wanfang for case reports of bone hydatid disease published from 2000 to 2015 in China. Data were extracted by using a standardized form and a retrospective clinical analysis was performed. Results A total of 21 relevant literatures published from 2000 to 2015 were included, including 87 cases of bone hydatid disease treated from 1975 to 2015. The regional distribution of bone hydatid disease was mainly concentrated in the animal husbandry areas in China. In terms of diagnosis basis, imaging examination was mentioned in 54 cases (62.1%), laboratory examination was mentioned in 32 cases (36.8%), and pathologic examination was mentioned in 8 cases (9.2%), etc. Surgical treatment was the main treatment, and some treatments were combined with chemotherapy. The outcomes of bone hydatid disease were relatively poor. In the 44 cases whose outcomes were reported, 26 cases (59.1%) had recurrence, 18 cases were cured (40.9%), 10 cases (22.7%) underwent re-operation, and 2 cases (4.5%) died. Conclusions Bone hydatid disease is rare. Surgical treatment is still the main method for treating bone hydatid disease. The rate of recurrence of bone hydatidosis is relatively high, so it is very important to explore new methods for diagnosis and treatment of bone hydatid disease.
ObjectiveTo summarize the effect of artificial blood vessel replacement in the treatment of complex hepatic alveolar hydatid disease involving retrohepatic inferior vena cava.MethodClinical data of 5 patients with hepatic alveolar hydatid disease involving retrohepatic inferior vena cava, who underwent vena cava replacement operation from June 2018 to August 2019 in our hospital were collected to analyzed.ResultsThe operation was successfully completed in all the 5 patients, and the hepatic hydatid space-occupying lesions were completely removed. Among them, 2 cases underwent extended right hemihepatectomy and caudate lobectomy, the operative time was 7 h and 8 h, the intraoperative blood loss was 600 mL and 400 mL, respectively, and the hospital stay were both 14 d. Three cases underwent autotransplantation surgery, with the operative time of 16 h, 12 h, and 12 h, the intraoperative blood loss was 1 500 mL, 1 500 mL, and 1 000 mL, and the hospital stay were 24, 20, and 19 d, respectively. There was no massive hemorrhage occurred, and 1 case suffered from liver failure (compensatory period), 2 cases suffered form bile leakage, all of which were cured by liver protection, anti infection, and drainage. During the follow-up period, the 5 cases were all in good condition, no relapse or recurrence occurred, and the quality of life was good.ConclusionThe replacement of the infected inferior vena cava by artificial blood vessel is an effective and feasible method for the treatment of hepatic alveolar hydatid disease involving retrohepatic inferior vena cava.
ObjectiveTo explore the effect of the surgery with laparoscope combined with choledochoscope on plateau hepatic hydatid biliary fistulas. MethodsA total of 100 patients with liver hydatid disease diagnosed between January 2012 and June 2013 were divided into two groups according to the admitting time:laparoscope combined with choledochoscope group (combined group) and laparoscope group, with 50 patients in each group. The therapeutic results of the two groups were compared. ResultsA total of 186 biliary fistulas were found in the combined group during the operation, and there were 5 patients with biliary fistulas after the surgery; while 87 biliary fistulas were found in laparoscope group during the operation and there were 16 patients with biliary fistulas after the surgery. The difference in the occurrence rate of biliary fistulas after surgery between the two groups was significant (χ2=7.294, P=0.007). No infection of incisional wound was found in combined group but 5 infection was found in laparoscope group. The postoperative extubation time in the combined group and laparoscope group was (10.35±3.87) and (27.16±4.58) days, respectively, with a significant difference (t=12.538, P<0.001). ConclusionThe laparoscope combined with choledochoscope is a minimally invasive and safe therapeutic option for plateau hepatic hydatid biliary fistulas.
ObjectiveTo explore the safety and efficacy of preoperative liver regeneration and then two-stage liver resection for advanced hepatic alveolar echinococcosis (HAE) patients pre-evaluating insufficient future liver remnant (FLR) after resection. MethodThe clinical data of the advanced HAE patients who were expected to have insufficient FLR after liver resection and underwent two-step liver resection in the Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital from December 2016 to December 2022 were retrospectively collected and summarized. ResultsA total of 11 patients with advanced HAE pathologically confirmed were collected. Among them, 2 cases underwent portal vein embolization (PVE), 2 cases underwent liver vein deprivation (LVD), and 7 cases underwent associating liver partition and portal vein ligation for staged hepatectomy (ALPPS) to promote residual liver regeneration in the first stage. The FLR/standard liver volume (SLV) exceeded the surgical requirement standard of 40%. Then the ex-vivo liver resection and autotransplantation, or directly radical liver resection was performed in the second stage. Only one patient underwent surgery to remove packed gauze on day 3 postoperatively due to massive intraoperative bleeding (approximately 4 000 mL). The median (P25, P75) follow-up time after surgery was 36 (15, 75) months, only one case was found to relapse at the third year after surgery and underwent surgical resection again, and the rest patients had no recurrence, long-term complications, or death. ConclusionsBased on the results from these cases, applying PVE, LVD, or ALPPS in the patients with advanced HAE who were expected to have insufficient FLR after resection aids to residual liver regeneration, creating conditions for the second stage radical resection. The second stage treatment including ex-vivo liver resection and autotransplantation or directly radical liver resection could achieve good results and is feasible and safe, which brings a hope of survival for the advanced HAE patients who could not previously undergo curative resection. However, this treatment strategy still incurs high costs and requires further optimization in the future.