Echinococcus granulosus infection of the liver

Echinococcus granulosus infection of the liver, also known as hepatic cystic echinococcosis or hydatid disease, is a zoonotic parasitic infection of the hepatobiliary system caused by the larval stage of the tapeworm Echinococcus granulosus sensu lato Humans acquire the infection through accidental ingestion of viable parasite eggs shed by canine definitive hosts, after which oncospheres migrate through the portal circulation and establish slowly expanding fluid-filled cysts in the hepatic paren...

Echinococcus granulosus infection of the liver, also known as hepatic cystic echinococcosis or hydatid disease, is a zoonotic parasitic infection of the hepatobiliary system caused by the larval stage of the tapeworm Echinococcus granulosus sensu lato

Humans acquire the infection through accidental ingestion of viable parasite eggs shed by canine definitive hosts, after which oncospheres migrate through the portal circulation and establish slowly expanding fluid-filled cysts in the hepatic parenchyma Cyst leakage or traumatic rupture presents a critical complication that can precipitate life-threatening anaphylaxis or secondary disseminated peritoneal echinococcosis

While early infection is often asymptomatic for years, growing hydatid cysts can cause hepatomegaly, right upper quadrant pain, nausea, and biliary compression leading to obstructive jaundice Cyst leakage or traumatic rupture presents a critical complication that can precipitate life-threatening anaphylaxis or secondary disseminated peritoneal echinococcosis

While early infection is often asymptomatic for years, growing hydatid cysts can cause hepatomegaly, right upper quadrant pain, nausea, and biliary compression leading to obstructive jaundice