infections
Echinococcosis (Dog Tapeworm Infection)
Treatment of Echinococcosis
Surgical removal or drainage of the cyst Injection of a salt solution to kill the parasite Albendazole Doctors can often surgically remove theEchinococcus granulosuscyst or drain the cyst with a needle. To drain the cyst, they use ultrasonography to guide placement of the needle. They then remove cyst fluid, inject a salt solution into the cyst to kill the parasites, and drain the solution out. Masses due toEchinococcus multilocularisare removed surgically. Albendazoleis an oral prescription medication used to treat a variety of parasitic worm infections.Albendazoleis given before and during procedures, such as surgery or drainage of a cyst with a needle, to prevent the infection from spreading if the cyst's contents spill during the procedure.Albendazoleis usually continued for 1 to 6 months after the procedure. It reduces the likelihood that a cyst will come back or spread.Albendazolealone can kill some cysts. It is also used to suppress the growth of cysts that cannot be removed surgically or drained. Occasionally, when the infection is severe, Liver Transplantation is done. 