Echinococcosis: Unraveling its Complexities
Echinococcosis is also called hydatid or hydatidosis. It affects humans as well as animals. The larval form of the Echinococcus tapworm is responsible for the disease. Echinococcosis, according to WHO, is among the 17 neglected tropical disease worldwide. The disease is most common in people who live in rural communities or those in contact with farm animals and dogs. If not diagnosed and treated correctly, the disease can lead to serious complications that could be fatal.
Understanding Echinococcosis - What Is It About?
Echinococcosis, also known as zoonotic disease, is an infection that is spread from animal to human. The larvae of an Echinococcus tapeworm cause the disease. The disease is classified into two types: alveolar echinococcosis and cystic echinococcosis.
WHO estimate that at any one time, more than 1,000,000 people worldwide are infected with echinococcosis. It is more prevalent where dogs and livestock are raised together, such as in South America, Africa China Central Asia and Southern Europe.
Echinococcosis: Common causes
Echinococcosis can be caused by eating Echinococcus (eggs). It could be caused by:
- Contact with dogs infected
- Food or water contaminated with bacteria can be consumed
- Handling soil and objects that have been contaminated by the feces or urine of an animal
The eggs are ingested and hatch within the small intestine. They then release the larvae, which can travel to other organs, such as the liver or lungs.
Echinococcosis Treatment
Treatment for echinococcosis is largely dependent on the stage and type of disease. Options include:
- Both CE and AE are often treated with surgery. The cysts are removed from the organ.
- Antiparasitic drugs such as albendazole or mebendazole, are often used in conjunction with surgery.
- Treatment by percutaneous means: The cyst is punctured with an needle, a parasiticide solution is injected and then the fluid is drained.
- Approach of watch-and-wait: Cysts inactive and small that don't cause symptoms can be watched rather than immediately treated.
Echinococcosis: Expert Opinions
Echinococcosis, experts agree, is an important public health issue due to the severe mortality and morbidity it causes, as well as its socioeconomic impacts. A study in The Lancet Oncology found that the economic burden and global impact of echinococcosis are higher than thought. Experts emphasize prevention, early detection and treatment.
Prevention and Natural Remedies
Although there is no natural cure for echinococcosis yet, prevention can play a vital role in controlling this disease. These are some prevention measures.
- Do not come in close contact with a dog that hasn't been dewormed.
- Hands should be thoroughly washed after touching dogs or dirt.
- Make sure that water and food are not contaminated with feces.
- Deworm your farm animals as soon as possible to minimize the chance of infection.
Echinococcosis, in summary, is a parasitic infection with serious health and economic consequences. Understanding the causes of this disease, using effective treatment methods, and focusing on prevention are key factors in managing it. With the continued research , we can expect to see improved diagnostic, prevention, and treatment methods for echinococcosis.
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