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Echinococcus is an infection caused by the Echinococcus granulosus or Echinococcus multilocularis worm.
Alternative NamesHydatidosis; Hydatid disease, Hydatid cyst disease
Causes, incidence, and risk factorsEchinococcus is common in:
- Africa
- Central Asia
- Southern South America
- The Mediterranean
- The Middle East
In the United States, the disease is very rare. However, it has been reported in California, Arizona, New Mexico, and Utah.
Humans become infected when they swallow eggs in contaminated food. The infection is carried to the liver, where cysts form. Cysts can also form in the:
- Brain
- Bones
- Kidney
- Lungs
- Skeletal muscles
- Spleen
Risk factors include being exposed to:
- Cattle
- Deer
- Feces of dogs, wolves, or coyotes
- Pigs
- Sheep
A liver cyst may produce no symptoms for 10 - 20 years until it is large enough to be felt by physical examination.
Symptoms include:
- Pain in the upper right part of the abdomen
- Bloody sputum
- Chest pain
- Cough
- Fever
- Severe skin itching
A physical examination may show signs of:
- Abdominal pain
- Problems with the skin and other organs
- Shock
The following tests may be done to find the cysts:
- Abdominal CT scan or ultrasound
- Abdominal X-ray
- Blood test
- Chest x-ray
- Liver function tests
- Thoracic CTscan or ultrasound
Most often, echinococcosis is found accidentally when an imaging test is done for another reason.
TreatmentMany patients can be treated with albendazole or mebendazole. These medications are often used for up to 3 months. Another drug, praziquantel, may be helpful combined with albendazole or mebendazole.
The cysts may be removed with surgery, if possible. This can be a complicated surgery.
Expectations (prognosis)If the cysts respond to oral medication, the likely outcome is good.
ComplicationsThe cysts may break open (rupture) and cause severe illness, including:
- Fever
- Low blood pressure
- Shock
The cysts may also spread throughout the body.
Calling your health care providerCall your health care provider if you develop symptoms of this disorder.
PreventionIn areas where the disease is known to occur, health education and routinely removing tapeworms from dogs can help prevent the disease.
ReferencesCraig PS, McManus DP, Lightowlers MW, Chabalgoity JA, Garcia HH, Gavidia CM, et al. Prevention and control of cystic echinococcosis. Lancet Infect Dis. 2007;7:385-394.
What else can I help you with?
What Parasitic creature starts with E?
Echinococcosis - tapeworm Echinococcus granulosus, Echinococcus multilocularis
What parasite group is Toxocara in?
eCHINOCOCCUS
How is echinococcus diagnosed?
CT Scans - MRI Scans
What is Hydatid disease?
Hydatid disease refers to human infection by the immature (larval) form of tapeworm, Echinococcus
Echinococcus infects humans how?
Echinococcus is ingested by a human through contact with an infected animal that contains eggs. These eggs mature in the small intestine of a human and lay eggs that migrate throughout the circulatory system. After this migration, these eggs forms cysts in major organs such as the liver, lung, or brains.
What is the most amount of testicles an animal can have?
The most amount of testicles an animal can have is eight. This is observed in the tapeworm known as Echinococcus multilocularis.
What is the scientific name for a dog tapeworm?
Dogs can become infected with several different species of tapeworm. As a Class the tapeworms are known as "Cestoda". Generally classification doesn't get much beyond this but the sub-class Eucestoda, Order Cyclophyllidea, Family Taeniidaecontains the genus Echinococcus which contains a number of relevent species. Cestota--> Eucestoda--> Cyclophyllidea--> Mesocestoididae have also been found.
What are the examples of a primary host?
A primary host is an organism that harbors a parasite during its adult or sexually reproductive stage. Examples include humans as primary hosts for the malaria parasite (Plasmodium) and dogs for the tapeworm (Echinococcus). Other examples are cattle as primary hosts for the liver fluke (Fasciola hepatica) and birds for various species of ticks. In these cases, the primary host plays a crucial role in the life cycle of the parasite.
Can parasite cause cirrhosis?
Yes, certain parasites can lead to cirrhosis, particularly those that cause chronic liver inflammation. For instance, infections from parasites like Schistosoma mansoni can result in portal hypertension and liver fibrosis, ultimately progressing to cirrhosis. Additionally, other parasitic infections that affect the liver, such as those caused by Echinococcus, can also contribute to liver damage over time. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial to prevent these complications.
What is ekinokok of he-par?
"Ekinokok" refers to echinococcosis, a parasitic infection caused by tapeworms of the genus Echinococcus. The term "he-par" likely refers to a specific type or aspect of this infection, possibly related to its effects on the liver (hepatitis) or a related medical term. Echinococcosis primarily affects humans through the ingestion of eggs from contaminated food or water, leading to the formation of cysts in organs, particularly the liver and lungs. Proper diagnosis and treatment are crucial to manage this infection effectively.
What type of cyst is contagious?
Contagious cysts are typically associated with infections, such as those caused by parasites or bacteria. An example is a cyst formed by the Echinococcus parasite, which can be transmitted through contact with contaminated soil or feces. Additionally, some skin cysts, like those related to viral infections (e.g., molluscum contagiosum), can spread through direct skin contact. However, most common cysts, like sebaceous cysts or ganglion cysts, are not contagious.
What type of tapeworm is more of a threat to a dogs owner than to the dog itself?
The type of tapeworm that poses a greater threat to a dog's owner than to the dog itself is the Echinococcus granulosus, which can cause echinococcosis in humans. This tapeworm is transmitted through contact with infected dog feces, leading to the formation of cysts in various organs. While dogs may experience mild symptoms, humans can face severe health issues. Proper hygiene and regular veterinary care can help prevent transmission.
