infections
Echinococcosis (Dog Tapeworm Infection)
Dog tapeworm life cycle
Dogs, particularly herd dogs, become infected when they consume cysts of the tapeworms in tissues of infected animals (such as sheep, goats, cattle, or pigs). The cysts (called hydatid cysts) develop into adult tapeworms in the dog's intestine. Infected dogs pass tapeworm eggs in their stool. Sheep, cattle, goats, or pigs consume tapeworm eggs in soil contaminated with dog stool. Inside these animals, the eggs hatch and develop into cysts in the animal's internal organs. People (often shepherds) are infected when they accidentally consume soil, water, or food that has been contaminated byEchinococcuseggs passed in dog stool. Echinococcuseggs remain alive in soil for up to a year. Eggs may also be present on the fur of infected animals. After people touch an infected animal, they may pick up eggs, transfer the eggs from their hands to their mouth or to food, and thus become infected. The eggs hatch in the intestine and release spheres that contain tapeworm larvae (called oncospheres). The spheres penetrate the wall of the intestine and travel through the bloodstream to various organs, such as the liver and lungs. In these organs, the spheres develop into cysts, which enlarge gradually and which, in people, can cause symptoms. The resulting infection is called echinococcosis. 