ObjectiveTo comprehend the current diagnosis status and new progress of hepatic echinococcosis (HE). MethodThe literature from domestic and foreign researchers relevant diagnosis of HE in recent years was searched and summarized. ResultsThe HE was widely distributed worldwide, with extremely high mortality and disability rates, posing a serious threat to local economic development and public health. At present, in addition to the traditional and widely recognized diagnostic methods based on epidemiological histories, clinical manifestations, routine imaging, and experimental examinations, many innovative technologies based on these traditional diagnostic methods had emerged in the field of HE, such as diagnostic prediction models constructed based on ultrasound and other imaging data, artificial intelligence, three-dimensional visual reconstruction, and circulating free DNA testing, which significantly improved the diagnosis rate of the HE. ConclusionsIn recent years, with the continuous improvement of medical level, the in-depth and perfect exploration of HE has made remarkable progress, which not only provides a new possibility for the early diagnosis of the HE, but also provides an important basis for research in related fields and the formulation of prevention and control measures. Therefore, the further promotion and application of these new techniques will aid to improve the diagnosis status of HE and reduce its impact on population health.
This review comprehensively outlined the application of imaging, immunology, and molecular biology techniques in the detection of hepatic echinococcosis. Imaging techniques, represented by ultrasound, computed tomography , magnetic resonance imaging, and positron emission tomography, not only provided critical information about the morphology, location, and characteristics of hepatic echinococcosis lesions, but could also be combined with artificial intelligence technologies to enhance diagnostic capabilities and expand the application scenarios of imaging technologies. These techniques were essential tools for the diagnosis, screening, and prevention of hepatic echinococcosis. Immunological techniques, such as indirect hemagglutination assay, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, immunoblotting, and chemiluminescence immunoassay, aided in diagnosis and differential diagnosis by detecting specific antibodies. Molecular biology techniques, such as polymerase chain reaction and high-throughput sequencing, provided robust support for the diagnosis and pathogen identification of hepatic echinococcosis 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 hepatic echinococcosis. Additionally, constructing comprehensive diagnostic models by combining the advantages of different detection technologies will help improve the diagnostic efficiency of hepatic echinococcosis.