Echinococcus granulosus (Hydatid disease)

Echinococcus granulosus is a tapeworm that lives in the intestines of dogs and other animals. If a person swallows eggs of this worm, the eggs can hatch and grow into new worms inside the person's body. These new worms can form hydatid cysts (sac-like structures) in different organs, most often in the liver but also in the lungs, brain, and kidneys. Hydatid disease is caused by these hydatid cysts and can be fatal if not treated.