Echinococcus multilocularis
Watch out for berries
Echinococcus multilocularis and Echinococcus granulosus are 2 species of parasites that cause echinococcosis. Both are segmented flatworms (Plathelminthes1). Echinococcus multilocularis is usually transmitted by exposure to parasites, for example by eating wild berries in the forest or in a field where the fox has come to pass. Indeed, the fox will eliminate in its stool the parasite which can also be present on its coat. Thus, even if visually nothing is visible, eggs may be present on berries or salads, justifying careful washing before consumption.
For Echinococcus multilocularis, the life cycle is complex with an intermediate host (rodents) and a definitive host (fox). The human being in this cycle is a purely accidental host and will generally not give rise to secondary cases since the adult worms will end up in cysts, for example in the liver. However, if these cysts come to be operated on, there is a possibility of an accidental infection.
Echinococcus granulosus like Echinococcus multilocularis is generally characterized by the formation of multiple cysts giving a “pseudo-tumor” image to the disease. Conversely, Echinococcus granulosus usually causes a single cyst. It is usually transmitted by exposure to sheep and dogs, which are the intermediate and final hosts, respectively.
