Echinococcosis, unspecified Save

Echinococcosis, Unspecified: Causes, Symptoms, and Prevention

Echinococcosis is a parasitic infection caused by tapeworm larvae. It is a zoonotic disease, which means it can be transmitted from animals to humans. Echinococcosis can affect any organ in the body, but most commonly affects the liver and lungs. In this article, we'll discuss the causes, symptoms, and prevention of echinococcosis, unspecified.

Causes

Echinococcosis is caused by the Echinococcus granulosus tapeworm. The tapeworm larvae can be found in the intestines of dogs, wolves, and other canids. The tapeworm eggs are shed in the feces of these animals and can contaminate soil, water, and vegetation. When humans come into contact with contaminated materials, they can become infected with the tapeworm larvae.

Symptoms

The symptoms of echinococcosis can vary depending on the location and size of the cysts. In some cases, there may be no symptoms at all. When symptoms do occur, they may include:

1. Abdominal pain and discomfort
2. Jaundice
3. Fatigue
4. Shortness of breath
5. Chest pain
6. Coughing up blood
7. Loss of appetite and weight loss

Prevention

Preventing echinococcosis involves avoiding contact with contaminated materials. This includes avoiding contact with dog feces, washing hands thoroughly after handling dogs or other animals, and avoiding consumption of unwashed fruits and vegetables. It is also important to properly cook meat, especially pork and beef, to kill any tapeworm larvae that may be present.