Diseases
Echinococcus multilocularis
Echinococcus multilocularis, commonly known as the fox tapeworm, is a parasitic tapeworm that can cause a disease called alveolar echinococcosis in humans and animals.
Distribution and life cycle of the fox tapeworm
The fox tapeworm is mainly distributed in the Northern Hemisphere, with its range extending from North America across Europe to Asia.
The life cycle of the fox tapeworm involves two hosts: the definitive host (usually a carnivore, especially the red fox) and the intermediate host (usually rodents, including mice or rats). The eggs of the fox tapeworm, shed by infected animals such as foxes, dogs, or cats, are ingested by the definitive host through food, where they mature into larvae and develop in the intestine. The eggs are excreted into the environment with the feces of the definitive host. In rodents, which serve as the intermediate host, the larvae develop into cystic larvae. Humans can serve as accidental hosts by ingesting the eggs through direct contact with contaminated material or through contaminated food.
Alveolar echinococcosis, caused by Echinococcus multilocularis, can remain asymptomatic for a long time. Symptoms may occur when the larvae affect organs or surrounding tissues.
Further informations
Echinococcus multilocularis
Echinococcus multilocularis is a parasitic tapeworm.
The fox tapeworm has two main hosts in its life cycle:
Definitive host:
Usually a carnivore, especially the red fox.
Intermediate host:
Usually rodents, including mice or rats.
The eggs of the fox tapeworm, shed by infected animals such as foxes, dogs, or cats, are ingested by the definitive host through food, where they mature into larvae and develop in the intestine. The eggs are excreted into the environment with the feces of the definitive host. In rodents, which serve as the intermediate host, the larvae develop into cystic larvae. Humans can serve as accidental hosts by ingesting the eggs through direct contact with contaminated material or through contaminated food.
Symptoms may occur when the larval organs or surrounding tissues are affected. The symptoms depend on the location of the cysts and may include:
- Fatigue
- Weight loss
- Abdominal pain
- Jaundice
- Breathing problems
- Liver failure
- Individuals living in areas where the fox tapeworm is endemic have a higher risk of infection.
- People who work in direct contact with infected animals also have an increased risk.
