Definition
The fox tapeworm (Echinococcus multilocularis) belongs to the species of tapeworms. The fox- in its name derives from it, since it attacks mainly foxes and lives in them as a parasite. However, the fox worm can also infest humans in the context of a “false colonization” and then lead to Echinococcosis.
An infection of humans is possible by ingestion of the eggs of the fox tapeworm, which are found in fox excrement, for example. The fox tapeworm is found in Central Europe and also in Southern Germany. The dog tapeworm can also cause Echinococcosis, this form of Echinococcosis is called cystic Echinococcosis. The disease is life-threatening if untreated.
Transmission path
Besides foxes as main hosts, the tapeworm also infests dogs and domestic cats. Small mice are possible as intermediate hosts. The fox often infects itself by eating infected mice.
Human infection is only possible by ingesting fox tapeworm eggs. These eggs are excreted with the faeces of the infested animals. They can also stick to the animal fur.
Possible transmission routes are therefore contaminated food or eating with dirty hands. Human beings can be infected by contact with the fur of infected animals, e.g. by stroking them. Furthermore, the inhalation of contaminated dust, for example during haymaking, is also being considered as a possible transmission route. According to the current state of knowledge, however, the single ingestion of fox tapeworm eggs does not immediately lead to infection but only to permanent exposure, i.e. the repeated ingestion of the eggs. According to an evaluation of data from patients infected in Europe, the majority of them either belonged to the group of farmers, worked a lot in the garden or had their own pets.
Distribution of the fox tapeworm
The fox tapeworm lives in (cold) moderate climate zones of the northern hemisphere. Thus, it is widespread in Russia, Central Asia, China, Japan, parts of Turkey, Iran and India and in parts of Europe. In Europe, it is found mainly in parts of France, parts of Austria, parts of Switzerland and parts of Germany.
The fox tapeworm is frequently found especially in the south of Germany in the area of the Swabian Alb. The number of infected foxes varies greatly. While in south-west Germany over 70% of the foxes are infected, in Upper Bavaria it is only about 27%. In Switzerland almost 50% of the foxes are infected with the fox tapeworm.
All articles in this series:
