Database of Food Borne Human Pathogens Molecular Way to Detect Pathogens (Bacteria, Virus, Fungi, Protozoa, Helminths)
Echinococcus multilocularis
Echinococcus multilocularis is a cyclophyllid tapeworm. produces the disease known as echinococcosis in certain terrestrial mammals, including wolves, foxes, jackals, coyotes, domestic dogs and humans. Unlike E. granulosus, E. multilocularis produces many small cysts (also referred to as locules) that spread throughout the internal organs of the infected animal. Ingestion of these cysts, usually by a canid eating an infected rodent, results in a heavy infestation of tapeworms.
After ingestion by a suitable intermediate host (under natural conditions: sheep, goat, swine, cattle, horses, camel), the egg hatches in the small bowel and releases an oncosphere The number 3 that penetrates the intestinal wall and migrates through the circulatory system into various organs, especially the liver and lungs. In these organs, the oncosphere develops into a cyst The number 4 that enlarges gradually, producing protoscolices and daughter cysts that fill the cyst interior.
Disease
echinococcosis
Symptoms
Pain or discomfort in the upper abdominal region, weakness, and weight loss, Symptoms may mimic those of liver cancer and cirrhosis of the liver.