Salient. An Organ of Student Opinion at Victoria College, Wellington, N.Z. Vol. 7, No. 8. August 9, 1944
Hydatids
Hydatids
Hydatid cysts in human beings are caused by a tapeworm, Taenia echino-coccus, whose eggs are swallowed and hatch out in the human alimentary canal. The life cycle of the parasite was amply illustrated by Dr. Cairney during his interesting talk last Tuesday evening to the Biological Society. Generally this life cycle alternates between sheep and dogs, with man as only an occasional host. The scolex has been known to be carried also by wolves, jackals and jaguars. The parasite occurs in the cyst stage in sheep and man and as the adult tapeworm in dogs. Man can only contract the disease from infected dogs which may pass thousands of eggs in the faces each day. In the handling and fondling of such a dog, the nose, tongue or coat may convey the eggs to the hand.
1. | Preventing dogs from feeding on the infected organs of sheep. |
2. | Regular administration to dogs of remedies for expelling the tape-worm from the intestine. |
3. | The teaching of proper hygienic measures, especially the thorough washing of hands before food, to all persons who have contact with dogs. |
Unfortunately it is very difficult to get these measures carried out properly.
Hydatid cysts in human beings occur chiefly in the liver and lungs, where they may attain to a diameter of 6 to 8 Inches. The cyst may become infected by bacteria and give rise to an abscess or it may rupture and cause a further generation of cysts which spread throughout the body.
Treatment is by means of operation and removal of the cyst, great care being taken not to spill the contents and allow secondary cysts to form.