# ECHINOCOCCUS SPECIES AND HYDATID DISEASE

> **NIH NIH R01** · UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON · 1989 · $125,889

## Abstract

Of the 3 species of Echinococcus that cause hydatid disease in man, E.
granulosus has two distinct biological forms.  The more pathogenic,
maintained by synanthropic hosts, forms local variants or "strains,"
attributed by some to clone-formation and other reproductive
peculiarities.  The neotropical E. vogeli is highly pathogenic, but its
public health significance is undefined.  E. multilocularis is the cause of
alveolar hydatid disease (AHD), a severe and often lethal infection
important in much of the northern hemisphere.  Regarded as an emerging
zoonosis in various regions, AHD in the United States mainly affects
Eskimos in western Alaska, where the mortality is about 70% of cases.
Chemotherapy with drugs of the benzimidazole group is beneficial, based on
a 10-year clinical trial in Eskimo patients.  Albendazole has been
substituted for mebendazole because of greater therapeutic promise.
Prevention of AHD depends on adequate epidemiological data, not now
available.  The proposed work would continue investigations in progress by
the P.I. since 1949, and would emphasize:  1) Summary and computer-analysis
of information derived from a long-term, intensive study (1956-1974) of the
epidemiology of E. multilocularis on St. Lawrence Island (Alaska), under
natural and hyperendemic conditions.  At least 6 papers planned during the
grant-period would provide information useful in devising methods of
prevention and control.  The study is unique, and would also provide
information of basic scientific value.  2) Evaluation of lesions from
patients, with or without therapy, would continue, using histological,
immunohistochemical, and other methods, to contribute to better diagnosis,
to evaluate chemotherapy, and to contribute to management of patients.  3)
Cytogenetic studies of Echinococcus spp. would continue, using
Giemsa-banding and other methods to define affinities and to elucidate
reproductive processes in cestodes.  4) The description of post-larval
development of E. vogeli would contribute to basic knowledge of a
pathogen.  5) Effects of long-term passage of E. multilocularis in
respective species of rodents would define rate and extent of
strain-formation.  These investigations are interrelated, and can be
efficiently conducted concurrently.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 3126052
- **Project number:** 5R01AI015172-09
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON
- **SAM.gov UEI:** HD1WMN6945W6
- **Principal Investigator:** ROBERT L RAUSCH
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 1989
- **Award amount:** $125,889
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 1978-08-01 → 1990-06-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/3126052

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 3126052, ECHINOCOCCUS SPECIES AND HYDATID DISEASE (5R01AI015172-09). Retrieved via MORVS 2026-10-25 from https://api.morvs.ai/grant/nih/3126052. Licensed CC0.

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