ECHINOCOCCUS - A tissue infection by the larval stage of the Echinococcus granulosus worm. This disease is common in South America, the Middle East, Asia, and Africa. Sporadic cases have been reported in the US. Infection occurs after ingestion of eggs in infected dog feces. The infection is carried to the liver where cysts form. Cysts may also form in the lungs, bone, brain, kidney, muscles, and spleen. Symptoms include abdominal pain, itching, cough, hemoptysis, chest pain, and fever. Treatment includes the surgical removal of cysts from the tissue.