Echinococcus granulosus (Hydatid disease)

2,412 views

Summary of Echinococcus granulosus (Hydatid disease)

Echinococcus granulosus, also called the Hydatid worm or dog tapeworm, is a cyclophyllid cestode that parasitizes the small intestine of canids as an adult, but which has important intermediate hosts such as livestock like sheep and humans, where it causes cystic echinococcosis, also known as hydatid disease. A hydatid cyst in the liver can cause anaphylaxis if antigens are released, therefore, it is injected with saline or ethanol to kill daughter cysts before removal.

Assessments
Echinococcus granulosus (Hydatid disease)

Flashcards

0 / 9 complete

Questions

1 / 3 complete

High Yield Notes

4 pages

Flashcards

Echinococcus granulosus (Hydatid disease)

9 flashcards

Questions

USMLE® Step 1 style questions USMLE

3 questions

USMLE® Step 2 style questions USMLE

1 questions

Preview

A 31-year-old woman comes to the clinic because of increasing abdominal discomfort for the past month. She recently returned from working on a sheep farm in Central America for the past year. Her temperature is 38.1°C (100.6°F), pulse is 62/min, respirations are 14/min, and blood pressure is 129/83 mm Hg. Physical examination shows tenderness to palpation in the right upper quadrant of the abdomen. The liver is palpable 5cm below the right costal margin. Routine laboratory studies are within normal limits. Abdominal ultrasound of the right upper quadrant (shown below) shows multiple hydatid cysts in the liver. Which of the following parasites is the most likely cause of this condition?

Memory Anchors and Partner Content