Echinococcus granulosus infection of the lung

*Echinococcus granulosus* infection of the lung, also known as pulmonary cystic echinococcosis or pulmonary hydatid disease, is a zoonotic parasitic infection of the respiratory system caused by the larval stage (metacestode) of the tapeworm *Echinococcus granulosus*

*Echinococcus granulosus* infection of the lung, also known as pulmonary cystic echinococcosis or pulmonary hydatid disease, is a zoonotic parasitic infection of the respiratory system caused by the larval stage (metacestode) of the tapeworm *Echinococcus granulosus*

Humans contract the disease via ingestion of tapeworm eggs shed in canid feces, allowing oncospheres to migrate hematogenously to the pulmonary parenchyma Pathophysiologically, the infection is characterized by slow-growing, fluid-filled, thick-walled hydatid cysts that progressively compress adjacent lung tissue and airways

Pathophysiologically, the infection is characterized by slow-growing, fluid-filled, thick-walled hydatid cysts that progressively compress adjacent lung tissue and airways

While often remaining asymptomatic for years, growing cysts eventually manifest with chronic cough, chest pain, dyspnea, or hemoptysis, and cyst rupture can lead to life-threatening complications such as pneumothorax, secondary infection, or severe anaphylaxis

While often remaining asymptomatic for years, growing cysts eventually manifest with chronic cough, chest pain, dyspnea, or hemoptysis, and cyst rupture can lead to life-threatening complications such as pneumothorax, secondary infection, or severe anaphylaxis

While often remaining asymptomatic for years, growing cysts eventually manifest with chronic cough, chest pain, dyspnea, or hemoptysis, and cyst rupture can lead to life-threatening complications such as pneumothorax, secondary infection, or severe anaphylaxis