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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

Liver echinococcus - CT scan

Antibodies

Reviewed last on: 8/1/2008
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

Craig 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.

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