II. Epidemiology

  1. Endemic regions
    1. Central Europe
    2. Siberia
    3. North America
      1. North central United States and Canada
      2. Alaska (Eskimos)
  2. Definitive Host: Fox
  3. Intermediate host: Rodents. Humans

III. Etiology

  1. Echinococcus multilocularis

IV. Pathophysiology

  1. Caused by larvae of cestode Echinococcus multilocularis
  2. Causes a highly malignant form of Echinococcosis
    1. Primary infection site is liver
    2. Spreads contiguously in cancer like form
    3. Ultimately results in death by hepatic insufficiency
    4. Lung or brain metastases may occur

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