Echinococcus vogeli

Echinococcus vogeli is a small cyclophyllid tapeworm found in Central and South America. E. vogeli, as well as other members of the genus Echinococcus (especially Echinococcus multilocularis), produce a disease called echinococcosis. Echinococcosis, also known has hydatidosis, is a result of ingesting the eggs of the genus Echinococcus. E. vogeli is similar to E. multilocularis in that both species produces many small cysts that spread throughout the internal organs of the infected animal. The ingestion of E. vogeli eggs, and the spreading of the cysts through infected host, will result in polycystic echinococcosis.

This parasite has a life cycle involving two mammalian hosts. Bush dogs (Speothos venaticus) and domestic dogs (Canis familiaris) are the definitive hosts, harbouring the adult stage of E. vogeli. The ingestion of a rodent intermediate host containing the hydatid cysts of the tapeworm by a bush or domestic dog often results in a heavy infestation of these tapeworms.

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