The impact of our research
QIMR Berghofer scientists are dedicated to preventing and treating neglected tropical diseases (NTD) which are often absent from the global health agenda and receive limited funding.
Echinococcus is classed as an NTD because it’s prevalent in rural grazing areas, regions without quality healthcare, and impoverished communities in tropical areas. We’re working to control and ultimately eliminate the echinococcus infection.
We're developing, trialling and evaluating a vaccine for dogs that could prevent the infection from being transmitted to humans.
We're investigating why some people are more susceptible to infection.
About echinococcosis
Echinococcosis, or hydatid disease, is caused by two tapeworm parasites – echinococcus granulosus and echinococcus multilocularis.
The parasite is carried by dogs, who show no symptoms of infection. Humans are infected by ingesting parasite eggs in contaminated food, water or soil, or handling objects soiled with dog faeces.
Once infected, humans can develop large cysts. These are usually found in the liver and lungs, but can also appear in the bones, kidneys, spleens, muscles, and central nervous system.
Echinococcosis affects people who come into contact with contaminated soil or water, or have close contact with infected dogs.
You’re more at risk if you live in regions where:
- the parasite is prevalent
- there’s close interaction between domestic dogs and wildlife
- dogs aren’t adequately dewormed and controlled.
Young children are more likely to be infected due to having closer contact with dogs and less stringent hygiene habits.
Echinococcosis causes large, clear cysts. These cysts are uncomfortable and can be life-threatening if they burst. Symptoms vary depending on where the cysts form.
Surgery to remove cysts is the primary treatment for echinococcosis. However, surgery carries inherent risks – if the cyst ruptures during surgery, tapeworms may spread throughout the patient’s body.
You can reduce the risk of contracting echinococcosis by:
- thoroughly washing hands with soapy water, especially after gardening or touching dogs;
- washing vegetables that may have come into contact with dog faeces;
- regularly worming dogs with a treatment that covers hydatid tapeworm.