The word "echinococcus cyst" is not only hard to spell, but it can also be difficult to pronounce. IPA phonetic transcription for this word would be /ɪkɪnəˈkɒkəs ˈsɪst/. The first part of the word, "echinococcus," is pronounced with the stress on the second syllable and ends with the schwa sound. The second part of the word, "cyst," is pronounced with the stress on the first syllable and the final consonant is pronounced as a "s" sound. Spelling this word correctly can be a challenge, so it is important to double-check before using it in any medical context.
An echinococcus cyst is a fluid-filled sac that develops as a result of an infection caused by the larval stage of a parasitic tapeworm called Echinococcus. Echinococcosis, also known as hydatid disease, is a zoonotic infection that primarily affects animals but can also be transmitted to humans. The cysts are usually found in the liver and lungs, although they can appear in other organs of the body.
Echinococcus cysts are characterized by a thick, outer layer called the adventitia, which surrounds the inner germinal layer containing numerous small brood capsules. Each capsule contains several protoscolices, which are the infective stage of the tapeworm. These protoscolices can develop into adult tapeworms if ingested by the definitive host, typically a dog or other carnivorous animal.
In humans, echinococcus cysts can cause a wide range of symptoms depending on their size, location, and the amount of pressure they exert on surrounding tissues. Common symptoms include abdominal pain, fever, cough, and shortness of breath. If a cyst ruptures, it can lead to severe complications such as anaphylactic shock and disseminated infection.
Treatment for echinococcus cysts usually involves surgical removal and administration of antiparasitic medications. Without proper treatment, these cysts can result in significant health issues, including organ damage, sepsis, and even death. Prevention measures include thorough cooking of meat from infected animals and regular deworming of domestic dogs. Additionally, raising awareness about the disease and its transmission pathways can contribute to reducing its incidence.
Hydatid c.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "echinococcus" is derived from the Greek words "echinos" meaning "hedgehog" and "kokkos" meaning "berry". This is because the cysts formed by the parasite Echinococcus resemble small hedgehog-like structures or berries. The word "cyst" comes from the Greek word "kystis" meaning "bladder" or "cyst". So, "echinococcus cyst" refers to the cystic stage in the life cycle of the Echinococcus parasites.