What type of organism is Echinococcus granulosus?

Echinococcus granulosus is classified as a helminth, specifically a tapeworm. Helminths are a group of parasitic worms that include flatworms, roundworms, and segmented worms. Echinococcus granulosus is a small tapeworm that primarily infects canines, serving as the definitive host, while humans and other animals can be intermediate hosts. The life cycle of Echinococcus granulosus involves the formation of cysts in the liver, lungs, and other tissues of the intermediate hosts, leading to significant health issues.

This classification as a helminth is critical for understanding the biology, transmission, and the implications of infection, as treatments and preventive measures differ greatly from those used for protozoans, fungi, or bacteria. Protozoans are single-celled organisms, fungi are a separate kingdom of organisms that include yeasts and molds, and bacteria are prokaryotic microorganisms, none of which pertain to the characteristics of Echinococcus granulosus.