Bolivian and Uruguayan scientists had found a dog’s disease, echinococcosis, was also contagious to human beings, Freddy Lizon, director of the research team. said on Friday, 24 September 2010.
The echinococcosis is caused by echinococcus granulousus parasites. It can causes cysts in vital organs. Echinococcosis (say: eh-kinno-cock-kosis) is an infection caused by eating food or water that is contaminated with the eggss of the Echinococcus worm. This worm is a microscopic tapeworm that is often found in dogs and common livestock, especially sheep.
“The dog is the carrier. If the parasite is defecated and eaten by sheep, and if humans eat the sheep, they will get cyst,” Lizon said.
“The cysts appear in the liver and there are different levels of symtoms according to the cyst degree. They can cause digestive problems, bile colic and diarrhea. Mainly we found the disease in poor areas, so perhaps it could be connected with malnutrition, Lizon said.
The research was carried out in Bolivia’s region. Although infection in humans is rare, it can be serious. After the tapeworm egg is eaten, it settles in the organs (such as the lung, brain and liver) and can cause large cysts to form.
If left untreated, you could die from this infection. Echinococcosis is also called hydatid disease.
Story from : www.english.eastoday.com and www.familydoctor.org
