Hydatids

Question 1

Name the species of hydatid that occurs in Australia.

Answer 1

Echinococcus granulosus.

Question 2

Briefly describe echinococcus granulosus.

Answer 2

A tapeworm with a 2 host lifecycle, aka 2 morphological distinct life cycle stages. Tiny tapeworm about 2-3 mm long in definitive hosts, to fluid-filled hydatid cysts in internal organs of intermediate hosts. Transmission via feeding offal to domestic dogs.

Question 3

List the sites where human hydatid cysts tend to form.

Answer 3

Liver (70%)
Lungs (20%)
Other sites (10%) include brain, muscle, orbit, spleen, kidney, uterus.

Question 4

What is the treatment for hydatid?

Answer 4

surgery, chemotherapy (albendazole), and PAIR (puncture, aspirate, inject, re-aspirate).

Question 5

List ways to control E. granulosus transmission.

Answer 5

Do not allow dogs access to offal, treat dogs with de-worming products, such as praziquantel, feed dogs with dry/tinned food, public education, vaccination of livestock.