What type of tapeworm is Echinococcus known as, and what is its primary concern?

Echinococcus is known as a hydatid tapeworm, which is primarily concerning due to its ability to form cysts in various organs, most notably in the liver and lungs. The life cycle of Echinococcus involves canines as definitive hosts and various intermediate hosts, including humans. When humans ingest the eggs (often through contaminated food or water), the larvae can migrate and develop into hydatid cysts within various tissues.

These cysts can potentially grow to significant sizes and lead to serious complications such as organ dysfunction or rupture, which may cause anaphylactic reactions due to the release of cystic fluid into the body. This emphasizes the importance of recognizing Echinococcus as a hydatid tapeworm and understanding the associated health risks linked to its cyst formation in vital organs.