Echinococcus granulosus, a parasite producing hydatid cyst: a review

Document Type : Mini Review

Authors

1 Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Sistan and Baluchestan, Zahedan, Iran

2 Department of Natural Resources, Baft Branch, Islamic Azad University, Baft, Iran

10.32592/ARI.2025.80.3.643

Abstract

Echinococcus granulosus, a parasite producing hydatid cyst: a review
Abstract
Echinococcosis is a parasitic disease caused by tapeworms of the Echinococcus genus, such as Echinococcosis granulosus. The disease is characterized by the development of hydatid cysts, particularly in the liver and lungs. Echinococcosis granulosus has a complex life cycle involving dogs as definitive hosts and herbivores like sheep as intermediate hosts. Humans are accidental dead-end hosts that can develop hydatid cysts upon ingesting infective eggs. The disease is prevalent in rural areas of Africa, the Mediterranean region, South America, Central Asia, and Eastern Europe, where close contact between humans, dogs, and livestock is common. Clinical symptoms of hydatid cyst disease depend on the location and size of the cysts. Many people with hydatid cysts may have no symptoms for years. However, as cysts grow, they can cause various symptoms, including abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting, chest pain, cough, headache, seizures and vision problems and shortness of breath. If left untreated, a hydatid cyst can lead to serious problems such as organ failure, rupture, and even death. Understanding the epidemiology, life cycle of Echinococcosis granulosus is crucial for improving diagnosis, treatment, and control measures. Therefore, the aim of this review is to study Echinococcosis granulosus to improve diagnosis, treatment, epidemiological understanding and prevention strategies to reduce the public health impact of cystic echinococcosis.

Keywords: definitive hosts, Echinococcus granulosus, hydatid cysts

Keywords

Main Subjects

References

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Archives of Razi Institute
Volume 80, Issue 3
May and June 2025
Pages 643-648

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