cdc - echinococcosis - general information - alveolar echinococcosis (ae) frequently asked questions...

7/28/2019 CDC - Echinococcosis - General Information - Alveolar Echinococcosis (AE) Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

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Alveolar Echinococcosis (AE) FAQs

How do people get alveolar echinococcosis (AE)?

People who accidentally swallow the eggs of theEchinococcus multilocularis tapeworm are atrisk for infection. People at high risk include trappers, hunters, veterinarians, or others whohave contact with wild foxes, or coyotes, or their stool, or household dogs and cats that have theopportunity to eat wild rodents infected with AE. Humans can be exposed to these eggs by"hand-to-mouth" transfer or contamination.

By directly ingesting food items contaminated with stool from foxes or coyotes. This mightinclude grass, herbs, greens, or berries gathered from fields.

By petting or handling household dogs or cats infected with theEchinococcusmultilocularis tapeworm. These pets may shed the tapeworm eggs in their stool, and their

fur may be contaminated. Some dogs "scent roll" in foreign material (such as wild animalfeces) and may become contaminated this way.

Where is alveolar echi nococcosis (AE) found?

AE is found worldwide, mostly in northern latitudes. Cases have been reported in centralEurope, Russia, China, Central Asia, Japan, and North America. In North AmericaEchinococcus multilocularis is found primarily in the north central region from easternMontana to central Ohio, as well as Alaska and Canada. Rare human cases have been reportedin Alaska, the province of Manitoba, and Minnesota. Prevalence among wild foxes and coyotescan be high, and may reach over 50% in some areas; however, even in these areas,

transmission to humans has been low.

What are the symptoms of alveolar echi nococcosis (AE)?AE is caused by tumor-like or cyst-like tapeworm larvae growing in the body. AE usuallyinvolves the liver, but can spread to other organs of the body. Because the cysts are slow-growing, infection with AE may not produce any symptoms for many years. Pain or discomfortin the upper abdominal region, weakness, and weight loss may occur as a result of the growingcysts. Symptoms may mimic those of liver cancer and cirrhosis of the liver.

What should I do if I think I have alveolar echi nococcosis (AE)?

See your health care provider if you think you may have alveolar echinococcosis (AE). Diagnosisof AE can be made by a blood test that looks for the presence of antibodies toEchinococcusmultilocularis.

How is alveolar echinococcosis (AE) treated?

Surgery is the most common form of treatment for AE, although removal of the entire parasitemass is not always possible. After surgery, medication may be necessary to keep the cyst fromgrowing back.

Can alveolar echinococcosis (AE) be prevented?

If you live in an area whereEchinococcus multilocularis is found in rodents and wild canines,take the following precautions to avoid infection:

Don't touch a fox, coyote, or other wild canine, dead or alive, unless you are wearinggloves. Hunters and trappers should use plastic gloves to avoid exposure.


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Page last rev iewed: December 1 2, 2 01 2Page last updated: December 1 2, 2 01 2

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Don't keep wild animals, especially wild canines, as pets or encourage them to come closeto your home.

Don't allow your dogs and cats to wander freely or to capture and eat rodents.If you think that your pet may have eaten rodents, consult your veterinarian about

possible preventive treatments.Wash your hands with soap and warm water after handling dogs or cats, and before

handling food.Teach children the importance of washing hands to prevent infection.

Do not collect or eat wild fruits or vegetables picked directly from the ground. All wild-picked foods should be washed carefully or cooked before eating.

More on: Handwashing (/handwashing/)

This information is not meant to be used for self-diagnosis or as a substitute for consultationwith a health care provider. If you have any questions about the parasites described aboveor think that you may have a parasitic infection, consult a health care provider.
http://www.hhs.gov/http://www.usa.gov/http://www.cdc.gov/handwashing/http://www.cdc.gov/cdc-info/requestform.htmlmailto:[email protected]?subject=Parsites%20Websitehttp://www.cdc.gov/globalhealth/

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