Cystic echinococcosis in a Moroccan boy: a silent and neglected disease among refugee and migrant children

Abstract

We report the unusual case of a 5-year-old migrant boy from a rural area of Morocco with an almost-giant lung hydatid cyst that was an incidental finding on a chest X-ray performed during routine visa procedures. Echinococcus granulosus serology test was initially negative with subsequent positive seroconversion. Albendazole was started at 4 weeks before surgery and maintained for 4 months, with a favourable outcome. Cystic echinococcosis (CE) is considered a neglected tropical disease and affects more than one million people worldwide, mostly from a lower socioeconomic background. Preventive measures have been limited in underdeveloped regions. Children with CE are especially vulnerable, due not only to the high pathogenic potential of the disease but also to their frequent involvement in challenging socioeconomic situations, including migration. The incidence of CE is increasing in Europe because of high immigration flows from endemic countries. Nevertheless, CE is not covered by current migrant screening protocols.