growth usually requires about 5 months. These larval forms differ 
from those of other human cestode infections in that multiple rather 
than single scoleces develop within the cyst. When hydatid cysts 
containing the scoleces are ingested by carnivora, adult worms 
mature in the small intestine in about 7 weeks. 
Man may become an accidental intermediate host by ingestion of 
the eggs from contact with contaminated food, drink, or other 
materials. 
In addition to Echinococcus larvae, man may also become the 
intermediate host of the larval stages of Taenia solium which in the 
adult stage normally infects the human intestine. The extra-intestinal 
phase of the T, solium cycle in man has been presented in the chart 
included with the intestinal helminths and is not repeated here. 
26 
