Echinococcal diseases in an extended family and review of the literature
F. Musio and D. Linos
Hellenikon Air Force Base Hospital, Athens, Greece.
Echinococcal disease occurred in an extended family from Athens, Greece.
Seven of the 11 family members were noted to be infected with Echinococcus
granulosus, and five members have undergone surgical treatment. The
potential sources of infection are discussed, although localization was
impossible. There is no genetic basis for this disease and no apparent
pattern of family member interrelationship or visceral involvement.
Although echinococcal infection is frequently diagnosed in large urban
centers, its transmission within a family is rare. Review of the literature
and the current diagnostic and therapeutic measures are presented.
