Echinococcosis is a zoonotic infection caused by *Echinococcus* species, involving two mammalian hosts: definitive and intermediate. The adult cestode lives in the small intestine of carnivores (definitive hosts), producing eggs that are released into the environment. Infection in humans and other "aberrant" hosts occurs when they ingest these eggs, leading to the development of metacestodes in internal organs. Cystic echinococcosis (CE) and alveolar echinococcosis (AE) are the most significant forms of echinococcosis in humans due to their wide geographic distribution and medical and economic impact. **E. granulosus and Cystic Echinococcosis:** - **Life Cycle:** *E. granulosus* is characterized by its small size and three segments. Dogs and other canids are definitive hosts, while various mammals, including sheep, goats, and humans, are intermediate hosts. - **Course of Infection:** Infection in humans typically involves the liver and lungs, causing cysts that can grow over time. The initial phase is asymptomatic, but symptoms may develop as cysts grow or rupture. - **Diagnosis:** Diagnosis is based on imaging techniques like ultrasonography and serological tests. Ultrasonography is particularly useful for detecting abdominal cysts. - **Treatment:** Treatment options include surgery, puncture-aspiration-injection-respiration (PAIR), percutaneous thermal ablation, and chemotherapy. PAIR is a minimally invasive technique that involves aspirating cyst fluid, injecting parasitocidal solutions, and respiration of the fluid. - **Epidemiology:** *E. granulosus* has a global distribution, with high prevalence in Eurasia, Africa, Australia, and South America. Risk factors for human infection include contact with infected animals and contaminated environments. **E. multilocularis and Alveolar Echinococcosis:** - **Life Cycle:** *E. multilocularis* is characterized by its small size and unique morphology. Foxes are the primary definitive hosts, and rodents are the main intermediate hosts. - **Course of Infection:** Infection in humans can lead to severe and often fatal disease, with the liver being the primary site of involvement. The infection progresses through initial, progressive, advanced, stability, and abortive phases. - **Diagnosis:** Diagnosis is challenging but can be confirmed through imaging techniques and serological tests. - **Treatment:** Treatment options are limited and often require a combination of surgical intervention and chemotherapy. - **Epidemiology:** *E. multilocularis* is found in regions with high biodiversity, particularly in the Arctic and sub-Arctic regions. The infection is less prevalent globally compared to *E. granulosus*. **Control and Prevention:** - **Control Options:** Public healthEchinococcosis is a zoonotic infection caused by *Echinococcus* species, involving two mammalian hosts: definitive and intermediate. The adult cestode lives in the small intestine of carnivores (definitive hosts), producing eggs that are released into the environment. Infection in humans and other "aberrant" hosts occurs when they ingest these eggs, leading to the development of metacestodes in internal organs. Cystic echinococcosis (CE) and alveolar echinococcosis (AE) are the most significant forms of echinococcosis in humans due to their wide geographic distribution and medical and economic impact. **E. granulosus and Cystic Echinococcosis:** - **Life Cycle:** *E. granulosus* is characterized by its small size and three segments. Dogs and other canids are definitive hosts, while various mammals, including sheep, goats, and humans, are intermediate hosts. - **Course of Infection:** Infection in humans typically involves the liver and lungs, causing cysts that can grow over time. The initial phase is asymptomatic, but symptoms may develop as cysts grow or rupture. - **Diagnosis:** Diagnosis is based on imaging techniques like ultrasonography and serological tests. Ultrasonography is particularly useful for detecting abdominal cysts. - **Treatment:** Treatment options include surgery, puncture-aspiration-injection-respiration (PAIR), percutaneous thermal ablation, and chemotherapy. PAIR is a minimally invasive technique that involves aspirating cyst fluid, injecting parasitocidal solutions, and respiration of the fluid. - **Epidemiology:** *E. granulosus* has a global distribution, with high prevalence in Eurasia, Africa, Australia, and South America. Risk factors for human infection include contact with infected animals and contaminated environments. **E. multilocularis and Alveolar Echinococcosis:** - **Life Cycle:** *E. multilocularis* is characterized by its small size and unique morphology. Foxes are the primary definitive hosts, and rodents are the main intermediate hosts. - **Course of Infection:** Infection in humans can lead to severe and often fatal disease, with the liver being the primary site of involvement. The infection progresses through initial, progressive, advanced, stability, and abortive phases. - **Diagnosis:** Diagnosis is challenging but can be confirmed through imaging techniques and serological tests. - **Treatment:** Treatment options are limited and often require a combination of surgical intervention and chemotherapy. - **Epidemiology:** *E. multilocularis* is found in regions with high biodiversity, particularly in the Arctic and sub-Arctic regions. The infection is less prevalent globally compared to *E. granulosus*. **Control and Prevention:** - **Control Options:** Public health