CYSTIC ECHINOCOCCOSIS IN CHILDREN: PATHOGENESIS, IMMUNOLOGICAL MECHANISMS, AND DIAGNOSIS

Cystic echinococcosis (CE) is a zoonotic parasitic disease caused by the larval stage of the cestode Echinococcus granulosus, representing a serious public health problem in endemic regions. In children, the disease is characterized by a more aggressive course, a higher frequency of multi-organ involvement, and specific immunological features of the host response. This review systematizes current data on the pathogenesis of CE in children, including mechanisms of invasion, echinococcal cyst formation, and its interaction with the host immune system. Immunological mechanisms are examined — the role of Th2 polarization, regulatory T cells, cytokine profiles (IL-4, IL-5, IL-10, IL-13), and specific antibodies of the IgE and IgG4 classes. Special attention is given to the diagnostic algorithm: imaging methods (ultrasound with WHO-IWGE classification, MRI, CT), serological tests (ELISA, IHA, immunoblotting), and molecular-genetic methods (PCR). Challenges of differential diagnosis in pediatric practice and prospective biomarkers are discussed. Understanding the pathogenetic and immune mechanisms opens opportunities for the development of new diagnostic and therapeutic approaches.