Beware: Uninspected meat could be infected
Foods of animal origin are a valuable source of protein to humans, especially pastoralists. However, these foods can also act as source of diseases that can infect humans such as Hydatidosis.
What is Hydatidosis?
This is a zoonosis caused by Echinococcus granulosus, and ingesting eggs released through the feces from infected dogs infects humans. Hydatid cyst, which is the larval stage of Echinococcus, is a bladder-like cyst formed in various organs and tissues. It is endemic in sheep and cattle raising areas worldwide.
In human beings, hydatidosis is also found worldwide and causes serious public health problems.
Echinococcus granulosus (Dwarf dog tapeworm) is a tapeworm found in the small intestine of definitive hosts and the cystic stage, that is, hydatid cyst found in various organs (liver and lung) in the intermediate host and occupies a large portion of functional tissues. In sheep, about 70 percent of hydatid cysts occur in the lungs. In horses and cattle, more than 90 per cent of cysts are usually found in the liver.
What is the life cycle of this worm?
The adult Echinococcus granulosus which is two to seven millimeters long resides in the small intestine of the definitive host. Gravid worms release eggs that are passed in the feces, and are immediately infectious. After ingestion by a suitable intermediate host, eggs hatch in the small intestine and release larvae that penetrate the intestinal wall and migrate through the circulatory system into various organs, especially the liver and lungs.
What are the symptoms of infections?
The disease is caused by cyst-like tapeworm larvae growing in the body. It usually involves the liver or the lungs, but can also be found in other organs of the body. Because the cysts are slow-growing, infection may not produce any symptoms for many years. Pain or discomfort in the upper abdominal region or chest, nausea, vomiting, or coughing may occur as a result of the growing cysts. Rupture of cyst fluid can lead to allergic reactions or even death.
How do people get infected?
People who accidentally swallow the eggs of the Echinococcus granulosus tapeworm are at risk for infection. Dogs that eat home-slaughtered sheep and other livestock become infected with the tapeworm Echinococcus granulosus and the tapeworm eggs can be found in their stool. Ingestion of soil, water and vegetables contaminated with infected dog feces may also lead to infections.
Humans can be exposed to these eggs by “hand-to-mouth” transfer or contamination by petting or handling dogs infected with the Echinococcus granulosus tapeworm. These dogs may shed the tapeworm eggs in their stool, and their fur may be contaminated.
Risk factors for human infection include uncontrolled dogs living closely with people, uncontrolled slaughter of livestock, and unsanitary living conditions.
How is this treated?
Until recently, surgery was the only option for treatment. Now medication and a modified surgical procedure (aspiration) are increasingly used and can replace the need for surgical removal of the hydatid cysts. However, surgery may be necessary in some circumstances. After surgery, medication may be needed to keep the cyst from growing back.
How can this be prevented?
If you live in an area where Echinococcus granulosus is found in sheep or cattle, take the following precautions to avoid infection:
Wash your hands with soap and warm water after handling dogs, and before handling food. Teach children the importance of washing hands to prevent infection. Avoid ingestion of food, water or soil contaminated with stool from dogs. This might include grass, herbs, greens, or berries gathered from fields.
Don’t allow your dogs to wander freely or to capture and eat raw meat from sheep, cattle, pigs, and goats. Don’t home slaughter sheep and other livestock. Regularly deworm your dogs.
Hydatidosis disease causes a significant economic loss directly by causing organ or carcass condemnation and indirectly by affecting human and animal health which increase the cost for diagnosis, treatment and control of the disease. Public awareness creation about the transmission and control of the disease and its public health significance and collaboration between veterinarians and public health workers in the prevention and control of the disease is mandatory.
Dr Paul Kang’ethe, [email protected]
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