 Echinococcus
Definition Alternative Names Causes, incidence, and risk factors Symptoms Signs and tests Treatment Expectations (prognosis) Complications Calling your health care provider Prevention References DefinitionEchinococcus 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
SymptomsA liver cyst may produce no symptoms for 10 - 20 years until it is large enough to be felt by physical examination. Symptoms include: Signs and testsA 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: Most often, echinococcosis is found 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. ReferencesKing CH, Fairley JK. Cestodes (Tapeworms).In: Mandell GL, Bennett JE, Dolin R, eds. Principles and Practice of Infectious Diseases. 7th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Elsevier Churchill Livingstone; 2009:chap 29.
Review Date: 7/26/2010
Reviewed By: Neil K. Kaneshiro, MD, MHA, Clinical Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
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