Heavy metals in the hydatid fluid and their effect on the fertility of Echinococcus granulosus

Abstract

Heavy metals have been recognized as risk faction for living organisms. This study aims to evaluate the effects of some heavy metals including Cadmium, Cobalt, Lead, and Zinc on the fertility of hydatid cysts of Echinococcus granulosus isolated from the livers and lungs of cattle aged 2 to, more than 4 years, in Thi- Qar governorate. Fifty-five hydatid cysts (fertile & sterile) were isolated from the livers and lungs of thirty-three cattle. Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (FAAS), was used to assess the concentration of heavy metals. The result data showed that there are significant differences, in most of the heavy metals in the fluid of sterile and fertile cysts. Heavy metal concentrations in hydatid cysts fluid extracted from the livers are significantly higher than their concentration in hydatid cysts fluid extracted from the lungs. This study concludes that these metals may represent a cause of hydatid cysts sterility through stimulating cellular stress by generating Reactive Oxygen Species or through their effect on the action of heat shock proteins.