Echinococcosis

Template:Infobox - disease

Cystic hydatidosis (echinococcosis) is a disease caused by two species of parasites: Echinococcus granulosus and E. multilocularis.

The definitive host is the dog harbouring the Hookworm larva: eggs are shed in the faeces. They are ingested by an intermediate host such as a sheep or rodent. They develop a large number of cysts. The cycle is closed when the dog eats the infected meat. Man is an occasional host. E. multilocularis is found in foxes, wolves and dogs (rodents act as intermediate hosts).

Pathogenesis and clinical manifestations[edit | edit source]

Cysts represent foreign bodies in the liver, lung, abdominal cavity or central nervous system and are responsible for the symptoms and manifestations of the disease. Cysts of E. multilocularis lack a definitive cyst wall and are thus free to invade tissue.

For more information see Echinococcus granulosus.

For more information see Echinococcus multilocularis.

Diagnosis[edit | edit source]

Cysts can be imaged by ultrasounds or using CT. We can also use EIA for antibodies and antigens.

Treatment[edit | edit source]

If possible, taseminoma cysts should be surgically removed. Albendazole is given to destroy the germinal layer of the cyst and praziquantel to reduce the life span of the protoscolex. If the cyst ruptures and viable protoscolexes leak, multiple cysts may form in the abdomen. A sudden release of antigens may also provoke anaphylactic shock.

References[edit | edit source]

References used[edit | edit source]

GILLESPIE, SH. Medical Microbiology and Infection at a Glance. 1. edition. London : Blackwell Science, 2000. ISBN 978-1405111737.

BERAN, GW – BAMFORD, KB. Handbook of Zoonoses, Section A: Bacterial, Rickettsial, Chlamydial and Mycotic. 2. edition. Florida : CRC Press, 1994. ISBN 978-0849332050.

University of South Carolina. Microbiology and immunology online [online]. ©2007. The last revision 2009, [cit. 2009-12-09]. <http://www.sc.edu/study/colleges_schools/medicine/education/basic_science_departments/pathology_microbiology_and_immunology/index.php>.