Recognizing parasitic helminths in tissue: histopathological insights into fascioliasis and echinococcosis
Diagnostic Histopathology, 2026 (Scopus)
- Yayın Türü: Makale / Derleme
- Basım Tarihi: 2026
- Doi Numarası: 10.1016/j.mpdhp.2026.06.016
- Dergi Adı: Diagnostic Histopathology
- Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Scopus, EMBASE
- Anahtar Kelimeler: alveolar echinococcosis, cystic echinococcosis, differential diagnosis, echinococcosis, Echinococcus granulosus, Echinococcus multilocularis, Fasciola hepatica, fascioliasis, morphology
- Sivas Cumhuriyet Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet
Özet
Fascioliasis and echinococcosis are both parasitic diseases that present a significant threat to public health worldwide. These helminthic diseases are classified as neglected by the World Health Organization (WHO). Due to increased travel and migration, diagnostic challenges can be presented for physicians especially in areas where they are not endemic. While diagnoses are made using imaging and microbiological, serological and molecular methods, the lack of diagnostic algorithms can complicate matters. Both diseases can occur ectopically outside the liver, where they are most commonly found, and sometimes both can be confused with tumors in terms of clinical features, and alveolar echinococcosis can even metastasize. Although Fasciola spp. rarely seen directly in histopathologic specimens, they can be distinguished from other liver flukes by their morphology, such as spinous tegument, highly branched ceca, and their relatively bigger size, leading to diagnosis. The multilayered structure of the metacestode of Echinococcus spp. and/or the presence of protoscoleces/hooklets are also important in differential diagnosis. When both diseases are histopathologically evident, familiarity with their findings helps prevent a prolonged diagnostic process. This article aims to give insights on histopathology of these parasites and their host reactions for training and practicing pathologists.