Echinococcus Granulosus Cysts Research Articles

Study on the genotypes of Echinococcus granulosus in yaks and sheep from Langkazi County in Tibet Autonomous Region of China based on mitochondrial cox1 and nad1.

To determine the genotypes of the epidemic strains of Echinococcus granulosus in livestock in Tibet, samples of E. granulosus cysts were collected from 11 yaks and 62 sheep. Genomic DNA was extracted from these samples, and gene fragments of mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (cox1) and NADH dehydrogenase subunit I (nad1) were amplified by PCR and sequenced. DNASTAR and MAGA7.0 were employed for homology analysis and phylogenetic tree construction. Echinococcus granulosus cysts were detected in 56.2% (41/73) of the samples screened. Of these, 63.4% (26/41) were identified as E. granulosus G1 genotype (common sheep strain), 24.4% (10 /41) as G3 genotype (buffalo strain), and 12.2% (5/41) were G6 genotype (camel strain). The study concludes that yaks and sheep in Langkazi county, Tibet, carry three E. granulosus genotypes (G1, G3, and G6), with the G1 genotype the predominant genotype in the region. This study clarifies the distribution of E. granulosus genotypes, providing genetic data and insight for the surveillance and prevention of echinococcosis.

Epidemiology, Molecular, and Phylogenetic Characterization of Echinococcus granulosus Cysts in Slaughtered Farm Animals in Al-Jouf Province, Saudi Arabia

Echinococcosis, or hydatidosis, is a serious veterinary disease and public health issue worldwide, particularly in rural areas in which dogs have frequent contact with local herbivores. This study assessed the frequency of hydatidosis found among farm animals slaughtered in Al-Jouf Province in northern Saudi Arabia in 2021. A total of 156754 sheep, 36337 goats, 8590 camels, and 986 cattle were inspected for hydatidosis infection by comprehensive evaluation involving meticulous visual inspection and manual exploration of the internal organs through palpation. The cysts were subjected to molecular and phylogenetic analysis. The overall prevalence rates of hydatid cysts were 0.43%, 0.19%, 0.54%, and 0.51% in the inspected sheep, goats, camels, and cattle, respectively. The highest disease prevalence rates among sheep (27.8%) and goats (30.9%) occurred in the spring, and the highest prevalence rates among camels (41.3%) and cattle (80%) were in the summer. Regarding the prevalence of the disease in four slaughterhouses in the Al-Jouf Province, the highest prevalence in sheep, goats, and camels was in the Tabarjal slaughterhouse (1.43%, 0.81%, and 1.08%, respectively), although the Al-Qurayat slaughterhouse had the highest prevalence rate in cattle (1.98%). Complete molecular analysis indicated that cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (cox1) sequences from cyst isolates belonged to Echinococcus granulosus (E. granulosus). Moreover, there was high homology (98-100%) with associated Genbank sequences of E. granulosus isolated from sheep in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). Sheep and camels were a significant source of hydatidosis transmission to dogs and helped to maintain disease incidence in the Al-Jouf Province. Thus, significant efforts should focus on preventing cyst transmission from abattoirs and infected stray dogs.

PREVALENCE OF HYDATID CYSTS IN LIVER AND LUNGS OF CATTLE SLAUGHTERED IN SELECTED ABATTOIRS IN NORTHERN NIGERIA

This study was conducted to determine the prevalence and fertility of Hydatid cysts of Echinococcus granulosus in Cattle slaughtered in selected abattoirs in Northern Nigeria and Federal Capital Territory (FCT) from February to December, 2022. Gross examination was carried out by visual inspection and palpation of lungs and liver of 1,881 Cattle in order to determine the availability and organ localization of hydatid cysts. A total of 95(5.1%) of the study population harboured one or more cysts in liver and lungs. Highest prevalence was recorded in cattle slaughtered in Gombe State (10.9%) followed by Kaduna (6.2%) the least was in Kogi State (1.9%). The difference of prevalence among the states was statistically significant (p<0.05). There was association of prevalence of hydatid cysts with location in Gombe (OR=2.637, 95% CI=1.570-4.431) which was significant and Kaduna states (OR=1.451, 95% CI=0.957-2.200) but not significant. There was no association of hydatid cyst infection with location in cattle slaughtered in FCT, Kogi and Plateau States (OR<1.0).Overall age-specific prevalence of cysts in cattle was directly proportional with age; the 5 years and above age group had highest prevalence (6.2%) while the least was in 1-2 years age group (1.2%). Prevalence was significantly associated only with cattle in 5 years and above age group (OR=2.141, 95% CI=1.295-2.538). Difference in prevalence of hydatid cysts among the age groups in all locations was not statistically significant (p>0.05). Overall prevalence of hydatid cysts was higher in females (5.7%) than males (4.0%) the difference was not statistically significant (p>0.05); ...

Dogs as a source for the spreading of enteric parasites including zoonotic ones in Giza Province, Egypt

To investigate the impact of domestic and stray dogs on the transmission of zoonotic and other parasites to humans in contact with them, fecal samples were collected from 80 domestic dogs that presented at a clinic with health disturbances and 220 randomly selected stray dogs housed in shelters. The parasitological examination of these samples revealed infection by six zoonotic and four non-zoonotic parasites in varying percentages. The zoonotic parasites included Ancylostoma caninum, Toxocara canis, Dipylidium caninum, Echinococcus granulosus, Cryptosporidium species, and Giardia cysts and trophozoites. The other parasites included Toxascaris leonina, Trichuris vulpis, Taenia species eggs, and Isospora canis oocysts. The infection rate was higher in stray dogs (60%) than in domestic dogs (40%). Infected dogs in both groups were generally unhealthy, with poor body condition recorded in 13.8% of domestic dogs and 63.6% of stray dogs. The infection rate was higher (92%) among shelter workers than among domestic dog owners (66.7%). Giardia assemblages A and D from dogs and assemblage A from humans, as well as two isolates of Cryptosporidium canis (C. canis), one from dogs and the other from humans, were submitted in the GenBank with the accession numbers OQ870443, OQ870444, and OQ919265 for Giardia and OQ917532 & OQ915519 for C. canis of dogs & human, respectively. In conclusion, domestic and stray dogs play an essential role in transmitting zoonotic parasites to humans in contact with them, and regular deworming and strict hygienic measures are recommended to minimize their impact on human health.

Echinococcus granulosus. Клинический случай

Echinococcosis is a serious problem for modern mankind. This disease has no specific clinical manifestations, but its complications can be fatal. Echinococcus granulosus is endemic for the Astrakhan Region. Every year, the number of cases of human infection with Echinococcus granulosus is increasing on the Astrakhan Region territory. Most often Echinococcus granulosus cysts are found in the liver (85%) and lung (up to 15%). The heart (only 0.4–2%), spleen, kidneys, and brain are damaged much less frequently (1–5% for all locations). The article presents a clinical case of a patient with echinococcosis of the heart and aorta, brain caused by Echinococcus granulosus.

Comparative Analysis of the Distribution of the Cestode Infection Pathogen in the Internal Organs of Sheep in the Apsheron and Khizi Districts

During the research, cysts of Echinococcus granulosus and Cysticercus ovis were collected from the livers of sheep kept in Apsheron district. Echinococcus cysts were found in the whole liver and lungs of 302 out of 771 sheep examined. Among the study sites, Echinococcosiswas found in the villages of Tudar (47.9%), Jeyranbatan (47.6%), Altyagach (46.5%), Fatmayi (45.8%), and Kizilgazma (41.9%). Echinococcal cysts were collected from lungs and livers, and their distribution through organs was analyzed. As a result, in the livers, the intensity of invasion was 1-18 cysts, and in the lungs, it was 1-15 cysts. The high extent of invasion was recorded in the low mountain (45.1%) and foothills (42.5%) zones, and slightly less in the plain zone (32.7%). The infection rate of sheep increases from 28.3% in spring to 42.6% in summer and 48.5% in autumn, and these figures decrease again to 28.7% in winter. High infection with C. ovis species was recorded in Altyagach at 34.9%, Kizilgazma at 33.9%, and Tudar at 33.3%. In the villages of Mehdiabad, Sulutepe and Fatmayi, infection was not detected. C. ovis type is relatively low in the lowland zone with 8.8% EI, 1-8 II; in the areas belonging to the foothill zone, EI is 11.7%, EI is 1-8 units and is slightly higher; finally in the low mountainous zone, EI was 34.0%, EI was 1-19 units and was much higher. It was concluded from the research that the intensity of invasion due to both helminths was higher in Khizi district than Apsheron peninsula. Also, considering the altitude zones in the region, high intensity was recorded in the low mountainous zone.

Increased prevalence of canine echinococcosis a decade after the discontinuation of a governmental deworming program in Tierra del Fuego, Southern Chile.

Hydatid disease is a neglected zoonotic parasitic disease caused by cysts of the tapeworm Echinococcus granulosus. Canids, especially domestic dogs, are definitive hosts of the parasite and are the most pragmatic targets for control programs. A governmental dog deworming campaign was established in 1979 to control hydatidosis in southern Chile, which succeeded in reducing the prevalence of canine echinococcosis in Tierra del Fuego province from 68.4% (in 1978) to 1.2% (in 2002). In 2004, however, the program was dismantled to reduce costs, and since then, no follow-up echinococcosis monitoring has been conducted. We surveyed 356 domestic dogs and interviewed owners or workers at 45 ranches in Chilean Tierra del Fuego during the summer of 2015-2016. Faecal flotation was employed to detect Taeniidae eggs, and PCR was used to test faecal samples for Echinococcus granulosus. Taeniidae eggs and Echinococcus sp. DNA were detected in the faeces of 45.4% (147/324) and 6.9% (23/331) of dogs, respectively. Infrequent dog deworming and the presence of culpeo foxes (Lycalopex culpaeus) were significant predictors of the prevalence of Echinococcus sp. DNA and Taeniidae eggs. Furthermore, the presence of introduced chilla foxes (Lycalopex griseus), the municipality, and several operational characteristics of ranches (number of sheep, frequency of sheep slaughter, number of dogs, frequency of removal of dog faeces, feeding of dogs with sheep viscera) were also predictive of the prevalence of Taeniidae eggs. Our findings reveal an ongoing risk of echinococcosis with pathogen maintenance in ranch dogs in Chilean Tierra del Fuego, and in the absence of adequate control programmes, there is a tangible risk of re-emergence of hydatid disease as a public health concern.

Relationship between genetic diversity and fertility status of hydatid cysts of Echinococcus granulosus isolated from human and some intermediate hosts in Thi-Qar province / Iraq

The cestod Echinococcus granulosus produces hydatid cysts, which are an endemic zoonotic in Iraq. This study was conducted to assess the common strains and the effect of haplotype diversity on the fertility status isolated of hydatid cysts from livers of humans and other different organs of intermediate hosts (sheep, cattle, buffalo, and camels), by three mitochondrial DNA genes, including cox1, nad1 and atp6 extracted from the fertile cysts protoscolices and sterile cysts germinal layer. The result indicated that the sheep (G1 ,95%) and buffalo (G3, 5%) strains were responsible for the hydatid cyst infection. All isolates were recorded in the Genbank with numbers ranging from (OL655428- OL655447) for cox1, (OM117505-OM 117524) for nad1and (OM117525- OM117544) for atp6. The current study revealed windingly that no correlation between the haplotype of parasite and the sterility of hydatid cysts. Thus, our finding indicated that environmental factors might play a key role in the fertility of hydatid cysts.

Improvement of Treatment and Prevention of Liver Echinococcosis

The purpose of the study was to determine optimal pathogenetically justified methods and means to improve the results of diagnosis and treatment of liver echinococcosis. Materials and methods. During treatment, on the 1st, 3rd, 5th, and 10th day of the postoperative period, patients were examined for the functional state of the liver by blood analysis for the amount of proinflammatory cytokines TNF-α, IL-6, IL-4 and IL-10, IL-1. The activity of humoral immunity was assessed based on the level of immunoglobulins IgA, IgG and IgM. Results and discussion. On the 1st day after the operation, the level of IgA increased and amounted to 5.56 ± 0.1 q/L. The improvement in the dynamics of indicators was observed on the 5th day of observations, and this trend persisted up to 10 days after surgical treatment. On day 5, a significant decrease in the concentration of the main proinflammatory cytokines TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-4 was revealed, compared with the indicators before treatment and on the first day after treatment – 12.5 ± 0.6 pg/ml; 11.7 ± 0.3 pg/ml and 4.0 ± 0.2 pg/ml, respectively. This treatment regimen resulted in a marked decrease in TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-10 levels on day 10. The initial level of cytokines and immunoglobulins indicates a pronounced immunosuppressive effect on the body of a parasitic disease. A significant decrease in cytokines IL-1, IL-6 and IL-10 in patients after surgery and a decrease in indicators after maintenance therapy can serve as a potential immunological marker for evaluating its effectiveness. When studying the cytokine profile in the patients we examined, there was a significant increase in the level of TNF-α and IL-6 in blood serum relative to the control values, which is directly dependent on the severity of the pathological process and the functional state of the liver and suppresses the secretion of anti-inflammatory cytokines, which was confirmed by data from foreign authors. As well as the works published earlier, the data of our studies show that Echinococcus granulosus cysts induce a strong antibody response in most patients, causing, at the same time, a reaction of antigen-specific antibodies of various classes with different intensity and specificity against the background of their synthesis and increased secretion. It is necessary to note an increase in quantitative and qualitative indicators of IgG, IgM and IgA levels in the blood serum of patients with liver echinococcosis, with IgG predominance. Conclusion. A comprehensive study of inflammatory mediators and the dynamics of cytokine levels makes it possible to diagnose complications in time and prevent possible relapses of the disease. The data obtained made it possible to justify the further use of imunofan and to develop recommendations for the management of patients with liver echinococcosis in the postoperative period

Effects of Psidium Guajava Leaves Extract on the Viability of Echinococcus Granulosus Protoscolices in Vitro and in Vivo

Echinococcosis is a common parasitic disease in humans and ruminants; it is considered as a health and economic problem in most parts of the world. The present study aims to evaluate the in vitro and in vivo scolicidal effects of Psidium guajava extracts on the protoscolices from hydatid cysts of Echinococcus granulosus. Protoscolices were aseptically aspirated from the livers of naturally infected sheep. Various concentrations of the extract were used for 6-48hrs. Eosin staining (0.1%) was used to determine the viability of protoscolices. The findings showed that the extract at the concentrations of 100 mg/ml killed 100% protoscolices after 48 hrs. However, the concentrations of 75 and 50 mg/ml were not effective in killing the protoscolices after 48 hrs. of exposure. The results of this investigation demonstrated that P. guajava could be used as a natural source for the production of new scolicidal agents.

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

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.

The RNA modification in Echinococcus granulosus cysts revealed by mass spectrometry.

RNA modifications, as one of epigenetic mechanisms, are important and conserved mechanisms for maintaining the homeostasis of organisms. Little is known about RNA modifications in Echinococcus granulosus, an obligate parasite that inhabits mammals and gives rise to a huge public health and economic impact. Here, we focused on the RNA modification characteristics of E. granulosus for the first time by using mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) to qualitatively and quantitatively analyze 47 types of RNA modifications in E. granulosus total RNA. Furthermore, the E. granulosus homologs of writer enzymes preforming RNA modifications were identified, and their gene expression pattern at different developmental stages were analyzed by bioinformatics analysis. Finally, 23 types of RNA modifications were found in E. granulosus cysts total RNA, of which m1A, Ψ and m5C are the most abundant. The homologs of writer enzymes involved in these modifications were identified in the E. granulosus genome, with the dynamic gene expression during the different parasitic developmental stages. This work confirms that E. granulosus retains the conserved RNA modification mechanism during evolution, suggesting the important role of RNA modification in regulating its development and parasitic process. Moreover, the differences of amino acid sequences of RNA modification writer enzymes between parasite and host make it possible to use these enzymes as the candidate drug targets in the follow-up in-depth researches.

Fasciola hepatica co-infection enhances Th1 immune response in the adventitial layer of non-fertile Echinococcus granulosus cysts

Cystic echinococcosis is a widespread zoonosis caused by the larval stage of the tapeworm Echinococcus granulosus. In intermediary hosts, two types of echinococcal cysts can be found: fertile, which produce protoscoleces, the infective form of the parasite to dogs; and infertile, that do not present protoscoleces and therefore are not able to continue with the parasite life cycle. The adventitial layer, the local immune response against the cyst, plays an important role in cyst fertility. Grazing cattle can often feature Fasciola hepatica co-infection, a parasite known to modulate the host systemic immune response. In this work the cellular Th1/Th2 immune profiles were evaluated in the adventitial layer of fertile and non-fertile cysts with and without co-infection with Fasciola hepatica. Measuring with immunohistochemistry and qPCR in adventitial layer, we report that non-fertile cysts present higher levels of Th1 cytokines (IFN-γ (P < 0.0001) and TNF-α (P < 0.05)), and fertile cysts have higher levels of Th2 cytokines (IL-4 (P < 0.001)). Co-infection with Fasciola hepatica is associated with a decrease in the expression of IL-4 (P < 0.05) and an increase in the expression of IFN-γ (P < 0.0001) in the adventitial layer of fertile cysts. Non-fertile cysts were associated with higher levels of Th1 cytokines in the adventitial layer, with IFN-γ expression enhanced by F. hepatica co-infection (P < 0.0001), confirming that polyparasitism should be considered in the treatment and control of naturally infected cattle.

Fasciola hepatica coinfection modifies the morphological and immunological features of Echinococcus granulosus cysts in cattle

Polyparasitism occurs when animals harbour multiple parasites concomitantly. It is a common occurrence but is generally understudied in wild and domestic animals. Fasciola hepatica and Echinococcus granulosus, which are helminths of ungulates, frequently coinfect cattle. The effects of this particular type of polyparasitism are not well documented. The metacestode of Echinococcus granulosus is surrounded by the adventitial layer, which constitutes the host immune response to the parasite. This layer in cattle is produced by a granulomatous reaction and is involved in echinococcal cyst (EC) fertility. Due to the systemic immune-modulating abilities of Fasciola hepatica, coinfection possibly generates a favourable environment for EC growth. A total of 203 Echinococcus granulosus sensu stricto cysts were found in 82 cattle, of which 42 ECs were found in 31 animals coinfected with Fasciola hepatica. The overall infection intensity was 3 cysts per animal. Coinfection with Fasciola hepatica decreased the mean infection intensity to 1.4 cysts per animal. Regarding EC size, coinfection resulted in smaller ECs (15.91 vs 22.09 mm), especially for infertile lung cysts. The adventitial layer of ECs in coinfected animals lacked lymphoid follicles and palisading macrophages, which are generally hallmarks of the granulomatous immune response. The ECs in coinfected animals had organized laminated layers, whereas those in animals without coinfection did not. Although coinfection was not statistically associated with EC fertility, we did not find fertile cysts in the livers of coinfected animals. We concluded that coinfection with Fasciola hepatica and Echinococcus granulosus has a detrimental effect on ECs, particularly infertile cysts.

Main compounds and in vitro effectiveness of Syzygium aromaticum essential oil on protoscoleces of hydatid cyst

Surgery remains the preferred treatment for cystic echinococcosis. On the other hand, one of the side effects of hydatid cyst surgery is recurrence. Many scolicidal agents have been used for inactivation of the hydatid cyst content. However, many of these scolicidal agents may cause undesirable complications that limit their usage. The aims of this study are to investigate the chemical composition and in vitro scolicidal effect of S. aromaticum essential oil against protoscoleces from hydatid cysts of Echinococcus granulosus. The essential oil was obtained by hydrodistillation. Gas chromatography with flame ionization detection (GC-FID) and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC/MS) was employed to determine the chemical composition of the essential oil. Protoscoleces were aseptically collected from infected organs (liver and lung) of animals slaughtered at the Tiaret slaughterhouse containing hydatid cysts. Protoscoleces were exposed to two concentrations of essential oil (10 and 15 μl/mL) for 5, 10, 15, and 20 min. Viability of protoscoleces was confirmed by 0.1% eosin staining. Eugenol was the major compound of the studied essential oil (78.72%) followed by β-caryophyllene (8.82%) and eugenyl acetate (8.74%). The scolicidal activity of S. aromaticum essential oil at the concentration of 10 μl/ml was 55.99%, 60.05%, 80.37%, and 99.76% after 5, 10, 15, and 20 min of exposure, respectively. S. aromaticum essential oil at the concentrations of 15 μl/ml killed 100% protoscoleces after 5 min of exposure. The present study confirmed that S. aromaticum essential oil has high scolicidal power in vitro. However, further studies (ex vivo and in vivo) will be needed to confirm these results.

Molecular Characterization of Echinococcus granulosus Isolates Found in Cattle, Buffaloes, Sheep and Goats in Afyonkarahisar, Turkey

This study has been carried out to determine the genotypes of Echinococcus granulosus cysts in cattle, buffaloes, sheep and goats raised in Afyonkarahisar region. Cysts were collected from the internal organs of 258 animals, including 65 goats, 71 sheep, 119 cattle and 3 buffaloes infected with hydatid cysts. DNA was isolated from a total of 78 cysts from germinal membranes and protoscoleces extracted from cysts to identify the genotypes of E. granulosus in infected animals. PCR-RFLP was carried out using the Hin6I and StuI restriction enzymes in the ND1 gene and no polymorphism could be determined in all isolates. In the COX1 gene analysis, G1 strain known as domestic sheep strains and 18 different haplotypes were found in all isolates from cattle, buffaloes, sheep and goats. As a result, it was concluded that all isolates of the cattle, buffaloes, sheep and goats grown in Afyonkarahisar region determined in the analyses carried on the COX1 gene were G1 strain.

A simple and efficient purification method of native immunoreactive antigen for diagnosis of camel hydatidosis.

Background:Cystic echinococcosis (CE), a zoonotic disease that affects animal and human health, is of increasing economic importance due to high morbidity rates and high economic losses in the livestock industry.Aim:The present study was conducted to purify the antigen from hydatid cyst fluid (HCF) with high diagnostic efficacy of camel hydatidosis using indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).Materials and Methods:The HCF antigen was purified using Sephacryl S-300 column chromatography. Characterization of fractions was performed using reducing and non-reducing sodium dodecyl sulfate–polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) and Western blot analysis. Further, antibodies against Echinococcus granulosus cysts in camel serum were detected using indirect ELISA.Results:The purification process resulted in three fractions of antigens: FI, FII, and FIII. Indirect ELISA showed that higher diagnostic efficacy was observed in FI than in FII and FIII. Indirect ELISA, in which FI was utilized, showed 88% sensitivity and 91.7% specificity. Non-reducing SDS-PAGE showed that FI had two bands of molecular weights 120 and 60 kDa. Western blot analysis of FI demonstrated that 60, 38, and 22 kDa were antigenic bands when reacted with naturally infected camel sera with E. granulosus cysts. Using indirect ELISA, F1 recorded an infection percentage of 81.7% in randomly collected camel serum samples.Conclusion:FI is a promising antigen for accurate diagnosis of camel CE using indirect ELISA.

Tumor-derived exosomes inhibit natural killer (NK) cell functions in the pre-metastatic niche of pancreatic cancer

The current chemotherapy of cystic echinococcosis (CE) is mainly based on the use of albendazole, and the results have been shown to be highly variable. Thus, new and more efficient treatment options are urgently needed. The goals of the current study were: a) to compare the ex vivo activity of flubendazole (FLBZ) and nitazoxanide (NTZ), given either separately or co-administered, against Echinococcus granulosus protoscoleces and cysts, b) to characterize the plasma disposition kinetics of FLBZ administered alone or combined with NTZ in mice; (c) to compare the in vivo activity of FLBZ and NTZ (either each alone or as a combined treatment) against secondary CE developed in mice. Ex vivo drug activity study: E. granulosus protoscoleces and cysts were incubated either with FLBZ, NTZ, or the FLBZ-NTZ combination. Protoscoleces and cyst viability was monitored by the methylene blue exclusion test and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Pharmacokinetic study: Balb/C mice received FLBZ (5 mg/kg) orally either alone or co-administered with NTZ (100 mg/kg). Blood samples were collected up to 12 h post treatment and plasma analyzed for FLBZ/metabolites by HPLC. Clinical Efficacy study: following secondary infection, meaning i.p. injection of 1500 E. granulosus protoscoleces/animal (n = 40), the both drugs were administered by intragastric inoculation on a daily basis for a period of 25 days. Balb/C mice received FLBZ (5 mg/kg, twice a day) alone, NTZ (100 mg/kg, once daily) alone or a combination of both molecules (FLBZ, 5 mg/kg twice a day and NTZ, 100 mg/kg, once daily). Ten untreated animals were used as a control. All animals were killed and the weight of the cysts collected from each animal was recorded. The presence of NTZ did not markedly affect the FLBZ kinetic parameters in mice. FLBZ alone or combined with NTZ induced a reduction (P < 0.05) of cyst weight in comparison to the untreated control and NTZ-treated treated mice. The data obtained here indicate that NTZ did not affect hydatid cyst development in mice. Conversely, FLBZ shows an excellent efficacy against CE.

Prevalence of Sarcocystis fusiformis and Hydatid cyst among Different Ruminants at Menofia Governorate, Egypt

Sarcocystis fusiformis cysts and Hydatid cysts are of the most prevailing parasitic infestations of meat having economic and public health importance. S. fusiformis is an intracellular protozoan of the Phylum Apicomplixa which has an indirect life cycle, Hydatid cysts caused by the parasitic cestode E. granulosus that also has an obligate two-host life cycle, so they require an intermediate herbivorous or omnivorous host. So, this study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of S. fusiformis and Hydatid cysts in ruminants at Menofia governorate, Egypt. Physical examination of 1916 ruminant animal at different abattoirs at Menofia governorate was carried out from Septemper 20161 to August 2017 and microscopic examination was also conducted. About 20.5% of the examined animals were found positive for S. fusiformis. Buffaloes were infected with 85.96% while cattle were infected with 0.1%. The highest infection rate was recorded in animals older than 5 years old with percentage of 92.28%, then the animals between 3 to 5 years 29.32%, while animals less than 3 years were about 0.54%. The highest infection was recorded in Winter and Spring seasons 33.3% and 27.13%. Hydatid cyst was recorded with overall prevalence 3.6%. It was found in camels with percentage of 29.18%, and 1.75% in buffaloes. In conclusion Sarcocystis fusiformis and Echinococcus granulosus cysts prevailed at Menofia governorate, Egypt with considerable percentages that require more molecular studies to determine their genes and require putting strategies to control stray dogs and cats near the abattoirs and efficient condemnation of affected organs.

Genotyping of Echinococcus granulosus Isolates from Human in Khorasan Province, North-Eastern Iran

Human hydatidosis is endemic in northeastern Iran. The present study aimed to investigate molecular diversity of Echinococcus granulosus isolates collected from human surgically. Sixty human hydatid cysts (58 lung cysts and 2 liver cysts) were collected through surgery from Ghaem and Emam Reza hospitals in Mashhad University of Medical Sciences during 2015-2016. Cysts were characterized using polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCRRFLP) analysis of the internal transcribed spacer 1 (ITS1) gene and sequencing fragments of the genes coding for mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (cox1) and NADH dehydrogenase subunit I (nad1). Overall, 55 out of 60 Echinococcus granulosus cysts (91.6%) were determined as the G1 strain, 4 cases (6.6%) were determined as the G6 strain and 1 sample was not identified. Although sheep strain (G1) is dominated in human patients in Great Khorasan, the prevention of camel-dog cycle should pay attention in this region.