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Updated: May 22, 2026
13:25
Transient Transduction of the Strobilated Forms of Echinococcus granulosus
Published on: September 16, 2022
Cestode infestations: hydatid disease and cysticercosis
Enrico Brunetti1, A Clinton White
1Division of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, San Matteo Hospital Foundation, WHO Collaborating Centre for Clinical Management of Cystic Echinococcosis, University of Pavia, Pavia 27100, Italy. enrico.brunetti@unipv.it
Infectious Disease Clinics of North America
|May 29, 2012
Summary
Human parasitic infections, particularly echinococcosis and cysticercosis caused by cestode larvae, pose significant global health challenges. Treatment often involves complex interventions like surgery or chemotherapy.
Area of Science:
- Parasitology
- Infectious Diseases
- Public Health
Background:
- Humans act as definitive hosts for cestodes (tapeworms).
- Major pathology arises from cestode larval stages when humans are intermediate hosts.
- Key diseases include echinococcosis (cystic and alveolar) and cysticercosis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To summarize the significance of human cestode larval infections.
- To highlight the global distribution and risk factors.
- To outline current therapeutic strategies.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on cestode larval diseases.
- Analysis of epidemiological data on echinococcosis and cysticercosis.
- Synthesis of information on treatment modalities.
Main Results:
- Cestode larval infections are prevalent worldwide, with higher incidence in developing countries due to poor hygiene.
- Echinococcosis (caused by Echinococcus spp.) and cysticercosis (caused by Taenia solium) are the most significant human diseases.
- Therapeutic approaches are complex, often necessitating surgery, chemotherapy, or percutaneous treatments.
Conclusions:
- Cestode larval infections represent a substantial global health burden, particularly in resource-limited settings.
- Effective management requires a combination of public health interventions and advanced medical treatments.
- Further research into prevention and novel therapies is warranted.
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