Alveolar Echinococcosis

Definition

Definition of Alveolar Echinococcosis
A rare parasitic infection caused by the larva of a miniscule tapeworm called Echinococcus multilocularis. Transmission occurs through contact with foxes, coyotes, dogs and cats. The condition results in the development of parasitic tumors in the liver (sometimes other organs such as brain and lungs) but it generally causes no symptom for 5 to 15 years after infection.

Symptoms

Symptoms of Alveolar Echinococcosis
The list of signs and symptoms for Alveolar echinococcosis listed below:

1. Abdominal pain
2. Abdominal discomfort
3. Weakness
4. Weight loss
5. Abdominal mass
6. Respiratory symptoms
7. Liver disease
8. Biliary obstruction

Causes

Causes of Alveolar Echinococcosis
Alveolar echinococcosis in humans is caused by a larval stage (metacestode) of Echinococcus multilocularis, which exhibits a tumor-like growth, initially in the liver, with the potential to induce serious disease.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of Alveolar Echinococcosis
See a health care provider if following to potential exposure to AE by one of the ways listed above. He or she can order a blood test for the presence of the parasite or antibodies to E. multilocularis.

Treatment

Treatment of Alveolar Echinococcosis
Surgery is the most common form of treatment for AE, although removal of the entire parasite mass is not always possible. After surgery, medication may be necessary to keep the cyst from growing back.

Prognosis

Prognosis of Alveolar Echinococcosis
Consult with your doctor.

Prevention

Prevention of Alveolar Echinococcosis
If residing in an area where E. multilocularis is found in rodents and wild canines, take the following precautions to avoid infection:

1. Don't touch a fox, coyote, or other wild canine, dead or alive, unless wearing gloves. Hunters and trappers should use plastic gloves to avoid exposure.
2. Don't keep wild animals, especially wild canines, as pets or encourage them to come close to your home.
3. Don't allow cats and dogs to wander freely or to capture and eat rodents.
4. If the pet may have eaten rodents, consult the veterinarian about the possible need for preventive treatments.
5. After handling pets, always wash the hands with soap and warm water.
6. Fence in gardens to keep out wild animals.
7. Do not collect or eat wild fruits or vegetables picked directly from the ground. All wild-picked foods should be washed carefully or cooked before eating.