Hydatid disease, also known as echinococcosis, is a parasitic infection caused by the larval stage of tapeworms belonging to the Echinococcus genus. It is a zoonotic disease, meaning it can be transmitted between animals and humans. The disease is predominantly caused by two species of tapeworms, Echinococcus granulosus and Echinococcus multilocularis.
In hydatid disease, the infection occurs when humans inadvertently consume the eggs of the tapeworms through contaminated food, water, or direct contact with infected animals. Once inside the human body, these eggs release larvae that develop into cysts, primarily in the liver and lungs, but they can also affect other organs such as the brain, heart, and kidneys.
The cysts can grow slowly over time and can reach a large size, causing various symptoms depending on their location and size. These may include abdominal pain, cough, chest pain, jaundice, and allergic reactions. In some cases, the disease may remain asymptomatic for several years.
If left untreated, hydatid disease can lead to serious complications such as rupture of the cysts, secondary bacterial infections, and organ dysfunction. Surgical removal of the cysts is the primary treatment method, often combined with antiparasitic medications. In complex cases, additional interventions like chemotherapy or liver transplantation may be required.
Prevention of hydatid disease primarily involves implementing proper hygiene practices, regular deworming of domestic animals, and avoiding direct contact with infected animals or their feces.
