Human echinococcosis is a zoonosis caused by the larval stages of the cestode parasites Echinococcus granulosus and E. multilocularis, affecting an estimated 2-3 million people worldwide. Contamination of humans occurs by the ingestion of the parasite eggs, either after touching carnivore hosts, or after eating food contaminated by carnivore feces. E. granulosus causes benign tumors/cysts (hydatid cyst disease) that is most often curable. Disease due to E. multilocularis (alveolar hydatid disease) is less common but more difficult to treat. In echinococcosis, anaphylactic reactions might occur with fatal outcome.
