Hydatid tapeworm: Echinococcus granulosus

This model was made as part of a cooporation between the Veterinary Faculty of the University of the Republic, Uruguay and the University Medical Center Groningen. It shows an adult Echinococcus granulosus (also known as hydatid tapeworm or dog tapeworm) and some of its internal organs. The adult Echinococcus granulosus (3-6 mm in length) resides in the bowel of its definite host. Humans are not the definite host of this parasite, but they can become infected if they ingest substances infected with Echinococcus eggs. The eggs then release oncospheres in the small intestine. At these places, oncospheres migrate through the circulatory system and produce hydatid cysts. A model showing the attachment of the parasite to the intestinal mucosa can be found here: https://skfb.ly/6tuLY