Echinococcus granulosus (Dog tapeworm)

Echinococcus granulosus (Dog tapeworm)

Echinococcus granulosus is a parasitic tapeworm that causes cystic echinococcosis (CE), also known as hydatid disease, in humans and other animals. This parasite has a complex life cycle involving two main hosts: the definitive host, where the adult tapeworm resides, and the intermediate host, where the larval stage (hydatid cyst) develops.

Echinococcus granulosus

Echinococcus granulosus is a parasitic tapeworm that belongs to the family Taeniidae. It is the causative agent of cystic echinococcosis, also known as hydatid disease, in humans and various animal hosts. Echinococcus granulosus is a parasitic tapeworm that causes cystic echinococcosis (CE), also known as hydatid disease, in humans and other animals. This parasite has a complex life cycle involving two main hosts: the definitive host, where the adult tapeworm resides, and the intermediate host, where the larval stage (hydatid cyst) develops.

 Echinococcus granulosus

Life Cycle of Echinococcus granulosus

Life Cycle of  Echinococcus granulosus

Definitive Host:

  • Hosts: Canines and other wolves and foxes, among others.
  • Location: The small intestine of the ultimate host is home to the adult tapeworm.
  • Production of Eggs: Through the excrement of the host, the tapeworm releases its eggs into the surrounding environment.

Intermediate Host:

  • Goats, pigs, sheep, cattle, and even people serve as hosts.
  • Transmission: Eggs from contaminated food, water, or soil infect intermediate hosts.
  • After being consumed, the eggs hatch in the colon and release oncospheres, or larvae, which pass through the intestinal wall and into the bloodstream. From there, they go to several organs, most notably the liver and lungs, where they mature into hydatid cysts.

Human Infection:

  • Inadvertent Intermediate Hosts: Humans can contract the infection by eating contaminated food, drinking contaminated water, or coming into close contact with infected canines.
  • Cyst Development: Humans can develop hidatid cysts in their lungs, liver, or other organs, which can lead to cystic echinococcosis.

Symptoms in Humans

Phase without symptoms:

Since hydatid cysts grow slowly, many people have them for years without experiencing any symptoms.

Phase of Symptoms:

The location, size, and pressure of the cyst on the surrounding tissues all affect the symptoms.
Liver cysts: Swelling, jaundice, and abdominal pain.
Lung cysts can cause dyspnea, coughing, and chest pain.
Other Sites: Cyst-related symptoms, such as neurological ones if the cyst is in the brain.

Problems:

Rupture: May result in the spread of the infection and serious allergic reactions, such as anaphylaxis.
Secondary Infections: Abscesses may arise as a result of secondary infection of cysts.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis

Imaging Methodologies:

The main method for finding cysts, especially in the liver, is ultrasound.
MRIs and CT scans: Used for more in-depth imaging, particularly in complex or uncommon conditions.

Tests for serology:

Find antibodies against Echinococcus antigens using Western Blot and ELISA.

Pathology of the histology:

Verification of the diagnosis through examination of surgically excised cysts.

Treatment

Surgical Excision:

preferred technique for cysts that are operable and accessible.
lowers the chance of subsequent infection and cyst rupture.

Antiparasitic medications:

Mebendazole or albendazole: Used as a surgical adjuvant to reduce cyst size or stop growth.

PAIR Method:

A minimally invasive treatment called puncture, aspiration, injection, and re-aspiration entails puncturing the cyst, aspirating its contents, injecting a scolicidal substance, and re-aspiration the fluid..

Keep an eye out and wait:

Cysts that are small and asymptomatic might be observed without requiring immediate treatment.

Prevention

Deworming Dogs:

  • Regular deworming of dogs with praziquantel to eliminate adult tapeworms.

Hygiene Practices:

  • Proper handwashing, especially after handling dogs and before eating.
  • Ensuring safe food and water consumption practices.

Control of Intermediate Hosts:

  • Proper disposal of livestock offal to prevent dogs from accessing it.
  • Educating livestock owners and the public about the risks and prevention methods.

Epidemiology

Distribution by Region:

In areas with high sheep farming, such as portions of South America, Africa, the Middle East, Central Asia, and China, cystic echinococcosis is common.

Impact on Public Health:

causes a great deal of morbidity in the afflicted populations, and the loss of cattle productivity and associated medical expenses could have a dire economic impact.

Frequently Asked Question

What is Echinococcus granulosus ?

Echinococcus granulosus is a parasitic tapeworm that belongs to the family Taeniidae. It is the causative agent of cystic echinococcosis, also known as hydatid disease, in humans and various animal hosts.

What disease is caused by Echinococcus granulosus?

Echinococcus granulosus causes cystic echinococcosis, also known as hydatid disease.

What kills Echinococcus granulosus?

Echinococcus granulosus can be killed by antiparasitic drugs like albendazole, thorough cooking or freezing of meat, and chemical disinfectants. Surgical removal of cysts in humans also eliminates the parasite.

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