A genus of small parasitic tapeworms that reach a maximum length of only 8 mm. Adults are found in the intestines of dogs, wolves, or jackals. If the eggs are swallowed by man, who can act as a secondary host, the resulting larvae penetrate the intestine and settle in the lungs, liver, or brain to form large cysts, usually 5-10 cm in diameter. Two species causing this condition are E. granulosus and E. multilocularis.
The immature form of a small tapeworm, Taenia echinococcus, found in dogs, wolves and jackals and from which human beings become infected, harbouring the immature parasite in the form known as hydatid cyst.
A tapeworm that creates cysts in organs such as the brain, liver, and lungs.