Echinococcosis

Echinococcosis, also called hydatid disease, results from being infected with the larvae of the tapeworms Echinococcus multilocularis, E. granulosus, or E. vogeli. E. granulosus is found in dogs, coyotes, wolves, dingos, and jackals. E. multilocularis is found in foxes, coyotes, dogs and cats. E. vogeli appears to be quite rare, appearing only in Central and South America.

Infection with E. granulosus results in the formation of cysts in the liver, lungs, kidney and spleen. This condition is also known as cystic hydatid disease and can usually be successfully treated with surgery. Infection with E. multilocularis results in the formation of parasitic tumors in the liver, lungs, brain, and other organs. This condition is more likely to be fatal than the disease caused by E. granulosus. It is also called alveolar hydatid disease.