Echinococcosis

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
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.

Diagnosis
Cysts can be imaged by ultrasounds or using CT. We can also use EIA for antibody and antigen.

Treatment
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. Sudden release of antigens may also provoke anaphylactic shock.

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