Echinococcus granulosus

Definition

Echinococcus granulosus is a parasitic tapeworm that causes cystic echinococcosis (hydatid disease) in humans and other animals. It typically infects the liver and lungs, forming fluid-filled cysts.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Echinococcus granulosus has a complex life cycle involving canines as definitive hosts and herbivores or humans as intermediate hosts.
2. Humans become infected by ingesting eggs from contaminated food, water, or soil.
3. The diagnostic imaging techniques used to detect hydatid cysts include ultrasound and CT scans.
4. Treatment usually involves surgical removal of the cysts or antiparasitic medications like albendazole.
5. Preventive measures include proper hygiene, controlling dog populations, and avoiding consumption of contaminated food.

Review Questions

• What are the primary hosts involved in the life cycle of Echinococcus granulosus?
• How do humans typically become infected with Echinococcus granulosus?
• What are the common diagnostic methods for detecting hydatid cysts caused by Echinococcus granulosus?

Related terms

Definitive Host:

An organism in which a parasite reaches maturity and undergoes sexual reproduction.

Intermediate Host:

An organism that harbors the larval or asexual stage of a parasite.

Cystic Echinococcosis: A disease caused by infection with the larval stage of Echinococcus granulosus, characterized by the formation of hydatid cysts.