Parasitology: Echinococcus and Echinococcosis

Parasitology is a scientific discipline that is concerned with the study of the biology of parasites and parasitic diseases. A parasitic disease caused by infection with tiny tapeworms of the genus Echinococcus is called echinococcosis. It is mainly classified into two categories, namely, cystic echinococcosis and alveolar echinococcosis. The other types include unicystic echinococcosis and polycystic echinococcosis. Unicystic echinococcosis manifests as a slow-growing mass in the body. Alveolar disease generally starts in the liver, but can spread to other parts of the body, such as the lungs or brain. The patient may experience abdominal pain, weight loss, along with yellow-toned skin discoloration due to development of jaundice when the liver is affected. A major cause of the disease includes the consumption of food or water that contains the eggs of the parasite. It can also be caused by coming in close contact with an infected animal. The disease is diagnosed using blood tests and medical imaging tests such as CT scan and MRI. This disease can be prevented by vaccinating the infected animals. This book aims to shed light on some of the unexplored aspects of echinococcosis and the recent researches with respect to this disease. Its aim is to present researches that have transformed the study of this disease. This book will provide comprehensive knowledge to the readers.