The cure One of the biggest problems with curing hydatids is that it may go undetected in the body for many years, by which time an infected person may have one or more large cysts. Another problem is that the cyst wall forms a physical barrier to foreign substances, protecting the tapeworm larvae from the person s own immune system and from drugs. The most common and effective treatment is surgery to remove the cysts, followed by a course of drugs to kill any remaining tapeworm larvae that might be in the body. Nevertheless, even surgery will not always cure the disease. The application of drugs immediately after surgery may reduce this rate.
Prevention is much better than cure.
Washing your hands before eating or drinking is important, particularly after contact with animals. The life-cycle of E. granulosus 2. The Australian Foundation for Science and the Science and Technology Awareness Program of the Commonwealth Department of Industry, Science and Resources are also supporters of Nova .