Vet warns pet owners after common dog behaviour linked to massive parasite inside woman's body

Time of India

09-05-2025

What does the doctor say?
Where is this parasite found?
How to avoid this?
How serious can it turn for humans
A case from Tunisia has reignited an important health conversation about the hidden dangers of a common behaviour many pet owners find endearing—letting their dogs lick their faces. While millions of dog lovers share affectionate moments with their furry companions, experts are warning that this harmless gesture could, in rare cases, open the door to a potentially life-threatening parasite.Doctors recently discovered a massive cyst, double the size of a tennis ball, in the pelvis of a 26-year-old woman who was 20 weeks pregnant. The woman had endured months of abdominal pain before being rushed to the hospital, where scans revealed a hydatid cyst—a growth caused by a tapeworm infection. The condition, known as cystic echinococcosis, is caused by the Echinococcus granulosus tapeworm, most commonly transmitted through dog feces.The case was detailed in the Open Journal of Clinical & Medical Case Reports under the title "Omental hydatid cyst in pregnant women: A rare localization." The patient was from Tunisia, where the parasite is considered endemic. Researchers noted the woman's condition was rare and dangerous, especially during pregnancy, but she was treated successfully.Although the exact source of the woman's infection was not confirmed, the case has raised concerns among veterinarians, who are urging dog owners to be mindful of certain health risks. Dr. Aimee Warner, a veterinarian at pet insurance company Waggel, noted that letting dogs lick faces, particularly near the mouth or eyes, can pose hygiene concerns.While humans don't become infected by adult tapeworms living in a dog's body, they can inadvertently ingest the parasite's eggs through faecal contamination. If a dog has traces of faeces on its mouth or fur and then licks a person, there is a small but possible risk of transmission.The parasite thrives in areas where livestock are raised, and dogs may scavenge on infected animal remains, which contain larvae. Once ingested, the larvae mature into tapeworms in the dog's intestines. The eggs are then shed in the animal's stool, potentially contaminating the environment and putting humans at risk.As per the vet, regular deworming of dogs and practising good hygiene, especially after handling pets or letting them near the face, can significantly reduce the risk.The condition is extremely serious in humans, often impacting the liver, lungs, or other organs. In this particular case, the cyst formed in the omentum (a fold of tissue in the abdomen), which is an uncommon site of infection. If left untreated, hydatid cysts can grow and rupture, leading to life-threatening complications. Especially in vulnerable groups like pregnant women, early detection and surgical intervention may be the only way to avoid severe consequences.