Recent advances in clinical and laboratory diagnosis of hydatid cyst: from imaging to recombinant and nanobiosensor-based approaches.

BACKGROUND

Cystic echinococcosis is a significant parasitic disease that predominantly affects the liver and lungs in humans. Its diagnosis relies mainly on imaging techniques such as ultrasound and computed tomography, supported byserological tests, including enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and immunoblotting, which are commonly used inhuman serodiagnosis. Conventional serological assays frequently show variable sensitivity, particularly in pulmonary, inactive, or calcified cysts, and may yield false-negative or cross-reactive results.

METHODS

Recent advances in recombinant antigen-based assays and nanobiosensors technologies have further improved diagnostic sensitivity and specificity. Current studies on recombinant antigens such as 2B2t, P29, and multiepitope constructs have markedly improved diagnostic performance compared with crude hydatid fluid preparations.

RESULTS

The combination of these methods enhances diagnostic accuracy.

CONCLUSION

This review focuses explicitly on diagnostic approaches in humans, with emphasis on immunological, serological, and emerging biotechnological tools. Given the considerable variability in the performance of individual techniques, a combined, multidisciplinary diagnostic approach is essential for early and accurate detection, ultimately improving clinical management and patient outcomes. Integrating high-performance recombinant antigens with nanotechnology-enhanced detection systems may shape the next generation of CE diagnostics, particularly in endemic and low-resource regions.