Echinococcus spp.

Alveoalr and Cystic Echinococcosis (AE and CE) are two diseases caused by human infection with eggs from the tapeworms E. multilocularis and E. granulosus s.l. They cause the formation of parasitic lesions in the liver and other organs and can be acquired by foodborne transmission, although the extent to which this mode of infection is relevant is not clearly understood. This article reviews the natural history, epidemiology, genetics, clinical management, burden and control strategies for CE and AE.