What Is Alveolar Echinococcosis?

Medically Reviewed by Sabrina Felson, MD on July 17, 2023
Written by Alexandra Benisek
2 min read

Alveolar echinococcosis (AE) is a disease caused by an infection from tiny tapeworms called Echinococcus multilocularis. The tapeworms are usually found in foxes, coyotes, dogs, and sometimes rodents. Human infections are rare but can be serious when they occur.

Scientists have found AE in animals all over the world. But they’ve seen human cases only in Alaska, Minnesota, and the Canadian province of Manitoba.

People at high risk include:

  • Hunters
  • Trappers
  • Veterinarians
  • Anyone who comes in contact with wild foxes, coyotes, or dogs and cats that may have eaten wild rodents

You could get infected by mistakenly swallowing the tapeworm’s eggs. This might happen after eating food (such as herbs, greens, or berries from fields) contaminated with coyote or fox poop. You’re also at risk if you’ve pet or handled infected animals.

Because the larvae grow slowly inside your body, they might not cause symptoms for anywhere from 5 to 15 years. The infection usually affects your liver, but it can spread to other organs. such as your spleen, lungs, or brain. You may have these symptoms as the tumor-like tapeworm grows:

  • Pain or discomfort in the top of your belly
  • Weakness
  • Weight loss

These symptoms are similar to those of liver cancer or cirrhosis of the liver.

See your doctor right away if you think you have AE. They can do a CT scan or MRI to look for tumor- or cyst-like shapes. If they find any, they’ll use blood tests to look for Echinococcus multilocularis tapeworm antibodies.

Treatment is often expensive and complicated. You might need a lengthy surgery or drug therapy.

Doctors can best treat your case if they find it early. They’ll take out the tumor or cyst during surgery. You’ll likely be given anti-infective drugs. 

If your infection is in a more advanced stage, you might need more surgery and anti-infective treatment.

Follow these tips to avoid infection:

  • Stay away from wild animals like foxes, coyotes, and dogs, along with their poop.
  • Keep your dog away from rodents.
  • Don’t allow your pet to feed on rodents or other wild animals.
  • Wash your hands with soap and warm water after touching dogs or cats, and before preparing food.
  • Tell children about the importance of washing their hands to avoid infections.