Human echinococcosis is caused by Echinococcus tapeworm larvae. E. granulosus causes cystic form, E. multilocularis causes alveolar form. Two New World species: E. vogeli (polycystic) and E. oligarthrus (unicystic)
Toxocariasis is caused by Toxocara spp. roundworms of mammals. Dogs (T. canis) and cats (T. cati) are confirmed zoonotic species. Eggs hatch in environment, larvae migrate through lungs to intestines. Larvae can be transmitted through direct or indirect life cycles
First discovered by Jehan de Brie in 1379. Lives in liver biliary passages of herbivorous animals. Adult worm measures 3cm x 1.5cm, brown to pale grey. Life span 5 years in sheep, 9-13 years in humans. Eggs are large, brownish yellow, 140µm x 80µm
Discovered in 1975 by William Campbell and Satoshi Ōmura. Initially used in veterinary medicine for heartworm and acariasis. Approved for human use in 1987. Awarded 2015 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine
Caused by Leishmania parasites transmitted by infected sandflies. First identified in Europe in 1903, now expanding globally. No documented human transmission cases. Can be asymptomatic for years
Echinococcosis is caused by tapeworms, with cystic and alveolar forms being main types. Disease often starts asymptomatic and can last years. Symptoms depend on cyst location and size. Alveolar disease typically affects liver, causing chest pain and shortness of breath