Background: Cystic echinococcosis (CE) is attributable to Echinococcus granulosus metacestodes. Ultrasound examinations enable a stage-specific approach to CE management. However, this approach is not often applied in endemic areas, which include Kazakhstan.
Methods: We collected clinical and ultrasound data on CE pediatric patients seen at a national referral surgical center in Almaty, Kazakhstan, during 2015-2020.
Results: We included 49 patients, and 79 cysts that were all surgically treated. All but one patient carried active cysts (CE1-CE3 stages). Twenty-six (53.2%) did not receive albendazole postsurgery. Children with CE1 and CE3a cysts underwent surgery, while the use of albendazole and percutaneous drainage were advised upon by experts.
Conclusions: A stage-specific approach to CE management in Kazakhstan is urgent, especially in the pediatric population. The rate of active cysts suggests continuing transmission of CE.
Keywords: central Asia; children; clinical management; cystic echinococcosis; disease burden.
© The Author(s) 2023. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of Royal Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene.