Echinococcus Antibody, IgG (Hydatid Serology) Test: Price, Purpose, Range & Report Details

Test Overview

The Echinococcus Antibody, IgG (Hydatid Serology) Test is a crucial diagnostic tool for detecting hydatid disease, also known as echinococcosis. This parasitic infection is caused by tapeworms of the Echinococcus genus, primarily Echinococcus granulosus. The disease can lead to cyst formation in organs such as the liver and lungs, and if left untreated, may result in severe complications.

What is the Echinococcus Antibody, IgG (Hydatid Serology) Test?

The Echinococcus Antibody, IgG test — often referred to as hydatid serology — is a blood-based screening investigation designed to detect IgG antibodies directed against the larval stage of the parasite Echinococcus granulosus, the causative agent of the condition known as hydatid disease (or cystic echinococcosis). Humans become accidental intermediate hosts when they ingest the parasite eggs (for example via contact with dog faeces in endemic grazing areas). The eggs develop into cysts (hydatid cysts) primarily in the liver and lungs, but sometimes other organs.This IgG antibody test serves as an adjunct to imaging (ultrasound, CT) and clinical assessment, helping identify past or current infection with Echinococcus. Serology is not fully definitive alone; imaging and clinical context are important.

Why is the Echinococcus Antibody, IgG Test Recommended?

This test is commonly recommended when:

• A person has imaging findings (eg liver cyst, lung cyst) suggestive of hydatid disease.
• There is a history of exposure in an endemic region: e.g., livestock grazing, dogs, sheep, or rural settings.
• A patient presents with non-specific symptoms such as abdominal pain, cough or hepatomegaly where hydatid cyst is part of differential diagnosis.
• After surgical or antiparasitic treatment of hydatid disease, to monitor for recurrence or residual infection.
• As part of a work-up for unexplained cystic lesions, particularly when distinguishing hydatid disease from other cysts/abscesses/neoplasms.

What is the Price of the Echinococcus Antibody, IgG Test?

The test price in India will vary according to city, laboratory network, sample collection method (home collection vs in-lab), and whether the test is bundled in a parasitic disease panel. Although I do not have a verified nationwide price list, you can check current pricing via major diagnostic portals (for example the local branch of a chain like Apollo 24|7) in your city. Factors affecting cost include:

• Location: Larger metropolitan centres typically have a slightly higher cost due to operational overheads.
• Service Type: Home phlebotomy and couriering of samples may add a nominal fee.
• Lab Accreditation: Labs accredited by NABL or equivalent may charge somewhat more for quality assurance.
• Offers & Packages: Sometimes parasitic serology panels are offered at discounted rates.

It is advisable to check online or via a mobile app for the most up-to-date price in your region and whether it is included in a larger parasitic/serology package.

What is the Purpose of the Echinococcus Antibody, IgG Test?

The primary purpose of this test is to detect IgG antibodies indicating exposure to Echinococcus species (primarily E. granulosus) and assist in the diagnosis or monitoring of hydatid disease. More specifically:

• Screening / Diagnosis: A positive IgG suggests that the individual has been exposed and may have hydatid cyst(s).
• Adjunct to Imaging: When a cystic lesion is found on ultrasound or CT scan, this serology supports whether the cyst is likely hydatid in origin.
• Monitoring: After treatment (surgical removal or antiparasitic therapy), the antibody levels may be tracked to detect recurrence or residual infection. Some studies show IgG may persist long-term.
• Differential Diagnosis: Helps differentiate hydatid cysts from other cystic lesions (simple cysts, abscesses, tumours), especially in endemic regions.
• Public Health / Epidemiology: In endemic areas, serology may help detect silent infections and guide surveillance.

Who Should Get the Echinococcus Antibody, IgG Test?

Your physician may recommend this test if you fall into one or more of the following categories:

• You have lived in or visited an endemic region (rural grazing areas with dogs / livestock) and now present with a cystic lesion in the liver, lung, brain or other organ.
• You have non-specific symptoms such as right-epigastric pain, cough, hepatomegaly or unexplained cyst on imaging.
• Imaging (ultrasound, CT, MRI) has detected cystic lesions and hydatid disease is part of the differential diagnosis.
• You have had previous treatment for hydatid disease (surgery or anti-helminth therapy) and require follow-up serology.
• Your doctor is screening for parasitic serologies in a setting of high risk or co-morbid conditions (eg immunosuppression, cystic lesions).

What Does the Echinococcus Antibody, IgG Test Detect?

This test detects IgG class antibodies produced by the immune system in response to antigens of Echinococcus species (primarily E. granulosus). The presence of IgG suggests past or ongoing infection, although it does not differentiate between viable and inactive cysts.

Typical Interpretation Table

Understanding the Echinococcus Antibody, IgG Report

When you receive your serology report, here’s how to interpret the key elements:

• A positive result suggests exposure and possible hydatid disease, but must be correlated with imaging and clinical findings.
• A negative result does not entirely rule out hydatid disease – false negatives may occur in early infection, small or calcified cysts, or cysts in certain locations (e.g., lung, brain) where antibody response is weak.
• False positives can occur due to other helminthic infections (e.g., cysticercosis, Taenia), cirrhosis, or autoimmune conditions.
• Changes in antibody titre over time (e.g., rising titres) may suggest active infection or new cyst growth; falling titres may suggest response to therapy.
• Because no test is fully sensitive/specific, serology must be interpreted alongside imaging (ultrasound, CT) and clinical context.

Preparation and Procedure for the Test

Here are the steps for preparation and procedure of the test:

How is the Test Done?

• A blood sample is drawn from a vein (typically in the arm) by a trained phlebotomist.
• The sample is processed (serum separated) and tested via enzyme-immunoassay (EIA/ELISA) or equivalent methods to detect IgG antibodies against Echinococcus antigens.
• Some laboratories offer reflex confirmatory tests (e.g., Western blot) if initial IgG is positive or equivocal.
• Turn-around time varies — in some reference labs 1–7 days; public health labs longer.

Is Fasting Required?

No fasting is required before this serology test. You may eat and drink normally.

When Should You Get the Test Done?

• As soon as a clinician suspects hydatid disease (cystic lesion on imaging, compatible symptoms, exposure history).
• Prior to or during treatment for hydatid disease to establish baseline and monitor antibody titres.
• As part of follow-up post-treatment (surgery or antiparasitic therapy) when requested by specialist.

How Often Should the Test Be Taken?

• For monitoring: At intervals determined by specialist (for example serially every 6-12 months or as clinically indicated).
• For initial diagnosis: Usually once; but if result is equivocal, repeat may be required in 2-4 weeks

Importance of Early Detection

Earlier detection of hydatid infection via serology (combined with imaging) is important because:

• It enables identification of cysts before they become large or complicated (rupture, infection, compression of nearby structures).
• Timely treatment (surgical removal, PAIR procedure, antiparasitic therapy) can prevent serious complications such as cyst rupture, anaphylaxis, biliary obstruction, secondary infection.
• Monitoring of treated patients helps identify recurrence early.
• In endemic regions, identification facilitates public health interventions (deworming dogs, livestock control, hygiene).

Booking the Echinococcus Antibody, IgG Test Online & Accessing Reports

Booking the Echinococcus Antibody, IgG (Hydatid Serology) Test online is a fast, convenient way to arrange home sample collection from your doorstep, pay securely and access your detailed report electronically,making it easier to take control of your health screening.

Steps to Book Online

• Visit Apollo 24|7 website or mobile app.
• Navigate to “Lab Tests” or “Serology / Parasitic Infection” section.
• Search for “Echinococcus Antibody IgG (Hydatid Serology)”.
• Check the price for your city.
• Choose a convenient date/time, input personal details and pay online or opt for payment at collection.
• On the day of collection, the phlebotomist visits and draws the sample.

How to Access Reports?

• Log in to your Apollo 24|7 account.
• Go to ‘My Reports’ or ‘Health Records’.
• Download your report in PDF format.
• Share it with your doctor for expert interpretation.

Reports are usually available within 24 hours of sample collection, and you’ll receive notifications once results are ready.

Conclusion

The Echinococcus Antibody, IgG (Hydatid Serology) Test is a valuable tool in the diagnostic and monitoring pathway for hydatid disease (cystic echinococcosis) caused by Echinococcus species. While serology alone cannot definitively diagnose or rule out disease, when paired with imaging and clinical assessment it offers important insight into exposure and immune response. Early detection and appropriate monitoring can mitigate complications, guide therapy and improve outcomes. If you suspect hydatid disease or have imaging findings suggestive of cysts, consider arranging this test through a reputable diagnostic centre with online booking, home collection and timely digital report access.