Infestation of Echinococcus tapeworms. Also called Hydatid disease.Encyclopedia Entry for Echinococcosis :Echinococcosis. Humans become infected when they swallow the tapeworm eggs in contaminated food. The eggs then form cysts inside the body. A cyst is a closed pocket or pouch. The cysts keep growing, which leads to symptoms. E granulosus is an infection caused by tapeworms found in dogs, and livestock such as sheep, pigs, goats, and cattle. These tapeworms are around 2 to 7 mm long. The infection is called cystic echinococcosis (CE). It leads to growth of cysts mainly in the lungs and liver. Cysts can also be found in the heart, bones, and brain. E multilocularis is the infection caused by tapeworms found in dogs, cats, rodents, and foxes. These tapeworms are around 1 to 4 mm long. The infection is called alveolar echinococcosis (AE). It is a life-threatening condition because tumor-like growths form in the liver. Other organs, such as the lungs and brain can be affected. Children or young adults are more prone to get the infection. Echinococcosis is common in: Africa Central Asia Southern South America The Mediterranean The Middle East In rare cases, the infection is seen in the United States. It has been reported in California, Arizona, New Mexico, and Utah. Risk factors include being exposed to: Cattle Deer Feces of dogs, foxes, wolves, or coyotes Pigs Sheep Camels.Cysts may produce no symptoms for 10 years or more. As the disease advances and the cysts get larger, symptoms may include: Pain in the upper right part of the abdomen (liver cyst) Increase in size of the abdomen due to swelling (liver cyst) Bloody sputum (lung cyst) Chest pain (lung cyst) Cough (lung cyst) Severe allergic reaction ( anaphylaxis ) when cysts break open.The health care provider will perform a physical exam and ask about the symptoms. If the provider suspects CE or AE, tests that may be done to find the cysts include: X-ray, CT scan, or ultrasound to view the cysts Blood tests, such as enzyme-linked immunoassay ( ELISA ), liver function tests Most often, echinococcosis cysts are found when an imaging test is done for another reason.Many people can be treated with anti-worm medicines. A procedure that involves inserting a needle through the skin into the cyst may be tried. The contents of the cyst is removed ( aspirated ) through the needle. Then medicine is sent through the needle to kill the tapeworm. The cysts may be removed with surgery, if possible. But this can be a complicated surgery.If the cysts respond to oral medicines, the likely outcome is good.Call your provider if you develop symptoms of this disorder.Measures to prevent CE and AE include: Staying away from wild animals including foxes, wolves, and coyotes Avoiding contact with stray dogs Washing hands well after touching pet dogs or cats, and before handling food.Hydatidosis; Hydatid disease, Hydatid cyst disease; Alveolar cyst disease.Liver echinococcus - CT scan Liver echinococcus - CT scan Antibodies Antibodies.Fischer PR, Cabada MM, White AC. Echinococcosis ( Echinococcus granulosus and Echinococcus multilocularis ).Encyclopedia Entry for Echinococcosis :Echinococcosis. Source of disease: Echinococcus species