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Echinococcus - Overview

Alternative Names

Hydatidosis; Hydatid disease, Hydatid cyst disease

Definition of Echinococcus:

Echinococcus is an infection caused by the Echinococcus granulosus or Echinococcus multilocularis worm.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

Echinococcus 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
  • Reviewed last on: 7/26/2010
  • 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.

References

King 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.

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