by Lauren Beyenhof

Created on: June 06, 2009   Last Updated: June 07, 2009

Echinococcosis, also known as hydatid disease, is an infection caused by a parasitic tapeworm larvae in the body. This infection is often characterized by large cysts in the brain. This is because the larvae are able to enter the bloodstream and travel to anywhere in the body. As the larvae die the result is inflammation, swelling, headaches, seizures and muscle weakness.

The parasite itself occurs mainly in rural areas where sheep or cows are being raised. Some wild animals are also prone to Echinococcosis. The parasite is found in the feces of the infected animal and the infection pathway is via the mouth. Diagnosing Echinococcosis can be done by taking a blood sample along with a chest x-ray. Other diagnostic measures include a computed tomography (CT) scan and a process called ERCP (Endoscopic retrograde Cholangio-Pancreatography) which involves the use of an endoscope and a fluoroscope to view the bile duct and pancreas. An abnormal chest x-ray that is positive for the tapeworm would show cysts in the lung. When the infection has not yet reached the brain, symptoms may include abdominal pain, chest pain, and expectorating blood (hemoptysis.)

Treatment

Treating Echinococcosis usually involves a dose of an oral medication called praziquantel, also known as Biltricide. Currently this is the most effective means of treating infection by flatworms in humans. Flagyl is another commonly prescribed anti-protozoan medication. Albendazole is a medication that is widely used as an off-label treatment for worm-caused infections. It works by robbing the tapeworm of its energy supply, thereby rendering it immobile.

In some cases surgery to remove the cysts is required.A procedure called marsupialization is performed to create a slit in the cysts which then allows them to drain themselves of infectious material.

Prevention

The best way to prevent a tapeworm infection is to carefully examine any food products from beef or lamb that may be prone to Echinococcosis. Identifying a tapeworm is not difficult, as the cysts they cause in meat is easily visible. Tapeworms are only able to survive in a specific range of temperatures. If they become too hot or too cold, they will die off. That's why another way to ensure that the tapeworm does not enter into the body is to fully cook meat at a high temperature, specifically 135 degrees Fahrenheit throughout. This will kill all the cysts that may have led to infection. Alternatively, completely freezing the meat will also kill the cysts.

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