Cystic echinococcosis is a human parasitic disease caused by the tapeworm Echinococcus granulosus sensu latu. The life cycle of this parasite involves a carnivorous definitive host (typically dogs) and an intermediate host (typically sheep). In humans, untreated cysts might pose a risk of rupture, which can result in severe complications such as anaphylactic shock, disseminated infection or death. This course provides basic resources (and related links) about the One Health control measures to stop the parasite transmission cycle and the measures to prevent and manage human infection.
Photo credits: WHO / Yoshi Shimizu
Language: English
Echinococcosis, Echinococcosis
Course information
Overview: Human infection with the parasite Echinococcus granulosus sensu latu leads to the development of one or more cystic echinococcosis cysts located most often in the liver and lungs, and less frequently in other body locations. The impact of the infection varies with the number, location and size of the cysts and when symptomatic, it manifests with pain and compromised organ function. If untreated, cysts can cause serious morbidity and death, so accurate diagnostic and appropriate and affordable treatment are critical.
This course provides basic resources (and links to more detailed information) to prevent, control and manage cystic echinococcosis. It is aimed at clinicians, health facility managers and health practitioners at all levels of health services that work on preventing cystic echinococcosis or provide care for patients with cystic echinococcosis. It is also aimed at veterinarians, animal technicians, public health workers, and Neglected Tropical Diseases programme managers who work in endemic areas and are interested in preventing and controlling the disease through a One Health approach.
Course duration: Approximately 2 hours
Certificates: A Certificate of Achievement certificate will be available to participants who score at least 80% in the final assessment. Participants who receive a Record of Achievement can also download an Open Badge for this course. Click here to learn how.
What you'll learn
- Describe the transmission cycle of Echinococcus granulosus
- Explain the burden of disease caused by Echinococcus granulosus
- Define endemicity for cystic echinococcosis
- Discuss the options for diagnostics in humans and animals
- Illustrate the use of cyst ultrasound staging to select the most appropriate treatment option
- Request an albendazole donation
- Advocate for a One Health approach to cystic echinococcosis
- Explicate the indicators that can be used for monitoring and evaluating cystic echinococcosis control programmes.
Course contents
Course outline:
This introductory module presents this course.Module 1: Introduction:
At the end of this module, you will: describe the transmission cycle of Echinococcus granulosus and the different disease manifestations caused by it, and identify the endemic regions of the world for Echinococcus granulosus.Module 2: Cystic echinococcosis diagnostics:
At the end of this module, you will: outline the different cystic echinococcosis diagnostics available for the definitive host, animal intermediate host and humans.Module 3: Cystic echinococcosis case management:
At the end of this module, you will: describe the cystic echinococcosis ultrasound stages, and outline the WHO recommendations for the treatment of patients with cystic echinococcosis.Module 4: Cystic echinococcosis prevention, control, and monitoring & evaluation:
At the end of this module, you will: identify the control measures to stop the parasite transmission cycle and to prevent human infection, and outline the indicators that can be used for monitoring and evaluating cystic echinococcosis control programmes.
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Certificate Requirements
- Gain a Record of Achievement by earning at least 80% of the maximum number of points from all graded assignments.
- Gain an Open Badge by completing the course.