Which parasite is associated with the formation of "giant cell" lesions in the liver?

The formation of "giant cell" lesions in the liver is primarily associated with Echinococcus granulosus. This parasite is a tapeworm that causes echinococcosis, commonly known as hydatid disease. In this condition, cysts filled with fluid can develop in various organs, particularly the liver. The host immune response to these cysts often leads to the formation of giant cells, which are multi-nucleated cells that result from the fusion of macrophages attempting to contain the cysts.

These giant cell lesions are a hallmark of the body's reaction to the parasitic infection, indicating a significant inflammatory response aimed at isolating and controlling the cysts formed by Echinococcus granulosus. This is an important diagnostic feature when imaging or histological examinations are undertaken for suspected cases of echinococcosis.

In contrast, other options like Entamoeba histolytica, Amoeba proteus, and Giardia lamblia do not lead to the formation of giant cell lesions in the liver. Entamoeba histolytica can cause amoebic liver abscesses, but the lesions are typically not characterized as giant cell lesions. Amoeba proteus is primarily a free-living amoeba and not a