Echinococcosis

Echinococcosis (say: "eh-kinno-cock-ko-sus"), also called hydatid disease, is an infection caused by eating food or water that is contaminated with the eggs of the Echinococcus worm. This worm is a microscopic tapeworm that is often found in dogs and common livestock, especially sheep.

Although infection in humans is rare, it can be serious. After the tapeworm egg is eaten, it settles in the organs (such as the liver) and can cause large cysts to form. A liver cyst may cause no symptoms for many years, until the cyst is large enough to cause problems.

These cysts can also grow in the lungs, brain and other organs. If left untreated, you could die from this infection.

Echinococcosis may not produce any symptoms for 10 or 20 years because the cysts grow slowly. A person who has echinococcosis might have pain in the stomach, weakness or weight loss because of the cysts. Other symptoms include itching, coughing, bloody stools, chest pain and fever.

The disease is found all over the world where humans are in close contact with dogs and livestock. In the United States, echinococcosis is mostly found in the Southwest and Alaska.

Humans can get echinococcosis by eating food or drinking water contaminated with feces from infected dogs. Humans can also get this disease by playing with or handling infected dogs or livestock.

The cysts are often found on X-rays. Because echinococcosis is rare and hard to find inside the body, your doctor may have to order a blood test. Sometimes a thin needle is used to puncture the cyst and take out fluid to test for the Echinococcus infection.

Treatment for this disease is based on where the cysts are located and what problems they are causing. Surgery may be necessary for more severe cases. You may need medicine to keep the tapeworm from coming back.

You should be careful if you live in an area where livestock are raised and/or you have contact with dogs. Give your dogs routine worming treatments to remove tapeworms. Always wash your hands after handling your pets. Fence in your garden to keep out pets and wild animals. Be sure to wash fruits and vegetables before eating them.