Echinococcus canadensis

The cestode Echinococcus canadensis belongs to the complex Echinococcus granulosus sensu lato. This parasite is a member of Cyclophyllidea which comprise the majority of tapeworms that are of medical importance. Adult E. canadensis parasitise the small intestines of dogs and other canids. The larval stage is one of the causative agents of the serious and life-threatening human disease cystic echinococcosis. E. canadensis has a worldwide distribution.

A study reports mitochondrial gene analysis from 4 Mongolian pediatric cerebral CE cases. Molecular confirmation was obtained for 3 of the 4 cases, with all 3 cases determined to be due to Echinococcus canadensis (G6/G7) infection. None of the cases had other organ involvement. This is only the third report on the molecular identification of the Echinococcus species responsible for Cerebral echinococcosis, and only the second report of E. canadensis (G6/G7) being the causative agent of cerebral CE ¹⁾.