Alveolar Echinococcosis

Alveolar Echinococcosis (AE) is a severe parasitic infection caused by the larval stage of the Echinococcus multilocularis tapeworm. Humans become infected through the ingestion of food or water contaminated with the eggs of the parasite, typically from the feces of infected foxes or other canids. The disease primarily affects the liver, leading to the formation of tumor-like, multivesicular cysts that infiltrate surrounding tissues. AE can remain asymptomatic for years before symptoms manifest, making early diagnosis challenging. Common clinical features include abdominal pain, hepatomegaly, and weight loss. In advanced stages, the parasite can spread to other organs, posing a life-threatening risk. Diagnosis involves imaging studies such as ultrasound, CT scans, and serological tests to detect specific antibodies. Treatment typically requires a multidisciplinary approach, combining surgical intervention, antiparasitic drugs like albendazole, and long-term monitoring. The complexity of AE management necessitates collaboration between infectious disease specialists, hepatologists, and surgeons. Preventive measures focus on interrupting the parasite's life cycle through public health strategies, including deworming domestic animals, controlling fox populations, and promoting hygiene education in endemic regions.

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