Threat of Echinococcus multilocularis infection in Poland – in the light of investigations conducted by the National Veterinary Research Institute in Puławy

Abstract

Alveolar echinococcosis (AE) is a dangerouszoonotic disease caused by the larval forms ofEchinococcus multilocularis tapeworm. E.multilocularis is considered the most dangerousparasitic zoonotic agent in the NorthernHemisphere, and AE is usually fatal if left untreated.In the life cycle of this parasite, the red fox (Vulpes vulpes) plays the role of a typical definitive host (in it’ s intestines mature forms of this tapeworm develops). Rodents are a typical intermediate host where E. multilocularis larvae develop. In the life cycle, human acts as a nonspecific intermediate host.