Living with Cystic echinococcosis
A parasite infection that forms cysts, often in the liver, caught from dogs or contaminated food.
Understanding Cystic echinococcosis
The adult tapeworm lives in the intestines of dogs. People can become infected through contact with herding dogs or by eating food contaminated with dog feces. GARD lists the onset as adulthood.
Signs & symptoms
Symptoms vary from person to person. GARD lists these among the most common:
- Cysts in the liver
- Pain in the upper middle belly
- Fatigue
- Weight loss
- Liver disease with blocked bile flow (cholestasis)
- High eosinophil count (a type of white blood cell)
Not everyone has every symptom. GARD's list comes from the Human Phenotype Ontology.
Diagnosis
- 1Talk with your doctor
Share the symptoms you've noticed, when they started and your family health history. Notes and photos can help.
- 2See a specialist
Your doctor may refer you to a specialist who knows rare conditions.
- 3Ask which tests can help
Your care team will decide which exams and tests can confirm the diagnosis.
Care & treatment
- Care team
- A doctor familiar with rare conditions, plus specialists as needed
- Expert care
- Ask about multidisciplinary care centers for rare conditions
- Treatment
- GARD doesn't list specific treatments for this condition. Your care team will tailor care to your symptoms.
- Research
- Clinical trials and observational studies may be options. See the research section below.
General information, not medical advice. Your care team makes the decisions.
Everyday life
Living with a rare condition is easier with support.
- Connect with rare disease patient organizations for support
- Keep notes on symptoms, changes and questions for appointments
- Ask about patient registries that help research
- Look into financial aid and travel resources for care visits
Quick facts
It is caused by the Echinococcus granulosus tapeworm. People are infected through contact with herding dogs or by eating food contaminated with dog feces.
Also known as: echinococcus granulosus; echinococcus granulosus infection; echinococcus granulosus infection of lung; echinococcus granulosus infection of thyroid; echinococcus granulosus infectious disease of liver; echinococcus granulosus infectious disease of thyroid
Patient organizations
Rare-disease groups that can help
- Global GenesRare Diseases · United States
- National Organization for Rare DisordersRare Diseases · United States
- Genetic AllianceRare Diseases · United States
- RARE FoundationRare Diseases · United States
You are more than your diagnosis
Perspectives from people navigating life with Cystic echinococcosis.
Explore research for Cystic echinococcosis
Explore actively recruiting Cystic echinococcosis studies with HealthSpark.
Find actively recruiting studies for Cystic echinococcosis with HealthSpark. Share your city to explore research near you.
- Recruiting studies from ClinicalTrials.gov
- Share your city to look for research near you
- Eligibility is confirmed by the study team
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Powered by HealthSpark, our AI chat helper · Study information from ClinicalTrials.gov · Eligibility is confirmed by the study team.
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