Echinococcosis
Echinococcosis
Echinococcosis (pronounced: eh-kee-no-kok-sis), also known as hydatid disease or hydatidosis, is a parasitic disease caused by the tapeworms of the genus Echinococcus. The term is derived from the Greek words "echinos" meaning "hedgehog" and "kokkos" meaning "berry".
Causes
Echinococcosis is caused by the larval stages of different species of the tapeworm Echinococcus. The two most important forms are cystic echinococcosis (CE), caused by Echinococcus granulosus, and alveolar echinococcosis (AE), caused by Echinococcus multilocularis.
Symptoms
The symptoms of echinococcosis are dependent on the specific type of the disease. In cystic echinococcosis, symptoms may not appear until the cysts become large. Symptoms can include abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting. In alveolar echinococcosis, symptoms can include weight loss, abdominal pain, and general malaise.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis of echinococcosis is usually made through a combination of medical history, physical examination, and imaging studies such as ultrasound, CT scan, or MRI. Serological tests can also be used to detect antibodies against Echinococcus.
Treatment
Treatment options for echinococcosis include surgery, chemotherapy, and percutaneous treatment. The choice of treatment depends on the type and stage of the disease, as well as the patient's overall health.
Prevention
Prevention of echinococcosis involves controlling the tapeworm in its definitive hosts, which are usually dogs or other canids, and avoiding contact with these animals. Regular deworming of dogs, proper disposal of animal feces, and good personal hygiene can help prevent the disease.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Echinococcosis
- Wikipedia's article - Echinococcosis
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