  
Is
worldwide, yet rare in humans.
This
tapeworm infection is acquired through milk,
vegetables or water contaminated with animal faeces or by
direct contact with infected animals (dog, fox, sheep, and
cattle).
The tapeworm larval then encrypts in the liver, lungs, and
other organs.
Years
can pass before symptoms develop depending on the size and
location of the parasites.
Liver cysts are abdominal discomfort, nausea, and vomiting.
If
a cyst ruptures, bleeding can cause sudden death.
Cysts
in lungs may cause a cough, shortness of breath, and even
pneumonia or lung abscess.
Blood tests may defect tapeworm antibodies and chest x-rays
or abdominal ultrasound may visualize the cysts.
Surgical
treatment is often necessary but drugs can also regress the
cysts.
Links:
Cambridge University Schistosome Research Group http://www.path.cam.ac.uk/~schisto/Tapes/Echino.html
CDC http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dpd/parasites/alveolarhydatid
Clinical medical reviews http://cmr.asm.org/cgi/content/full/16/1/18
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