Echinococcosis In Sheep Research Articles

Determination of Malondialdehyde, Nitric Oxide, Reduced Glutathione, Sialic Acid and Ceruloplasmin Levels in Sheep Liver Tissue With Hydatic Cyst

Cystic echinococcosis is a prevalent helminth-zoonosis that poses a significant threat to human and animal health worldwide. Although it typically shows an asymptomatic clinical course, it has been reported to cause many damages and biochemical changes in tissues and organism. The aim of this study was to investigate the concentrations of nitric oxide (NO), reduced glutathione (GSH), malondialdehyde (MDA), ceruloplasmin (Cp), and total sialic acid (TSA) in sheep liver tissue affected by cystic echinococcosis. The study was carried out on sheep between 4-5 years of age brought to the slaughterhouse in the Igdir territory. The livers were examined post-mortem for cystic echinococcosis and cystic structures. Sheep liver tissues that tested positive for protoscolex were designated as the ‘infected group’, while healthy sheep liver tissues without lesions were assigned to the ‘control group’. The results showed significantly higher levels of NO, MDA, Cp and TSA in the infected group compared to the control group (p<0.05), while GSH levels were significantly lower (p<0.05). These findings indicate that cystic echinococcosis in sheep is closely associated with mechanisms of inflammation, oxidative stress, and tissue damage. Moreover, our study provides insights into the oxidative response of cystic echinococcosis in liver tissue and enhances our understanding of the disease’s pathogenesis.

Rapid and non-invasive detection of cystic echinococcosis in sheep based on serum fluorescence spectrum combined with machine learning algorithms.

Cystic echinococcosis (CE) is a grievous zoonotic parasitic disease. Currently, the traditional technology of screening CE is laborious and expensive, developing an innovative technology is urgent. In this study, we combined serum fluorescence spectroscopy with machine learning algorithms to develop an innovative screening technique to diagnose CE in sheep. Serum fluorescence spectra of Echinococcus granulosus sensu stricto-infected group (n = 63) and uninfected E. granulosus s.s. group (n = 60) under excitation at 405 nm were recorded. The linear support vector machine (Linear SVM), Quadratic SVM, medium radial basis function (RBF) SVM, K-nearest neighbor (KNN), and principal component analysis-linear discriminant analysis (PCA-LDA) were used to analyze the spectra data. The results showed that Quadratic SVM had the great classification capacity, its sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy were 85.0%, 93.8%, and 88.9%, respectively. In short, serum fluorescence spectroscopy combined with Quadratic SVM algorithm has great potential in the innovative diagnosis of CE in sheep.

Immunohistochemical Alterations of Syndecan-1 in Sheep Liver with Cystic Echinococcosis

Cystic echinococcosis is formed by the larval forms of Echinococcus granulosus, causes health problems in humans and different species of animals worldwide. There is still limited information about the pathophysiological response to cystic echinococcosis in the liver. Syndecan-1 (Sdc1) is a cell surface proteoglycan of the liver. It has a crucial role in the pathophysiology of various liver diseases. This study aimed to investigate the immunohistochemical expression of Sdc1 in the liver with cystic echinococcosis in sheep. A total number of 51 liver tissue samples with cystic echinococcosis and ten healthy livers were examined. The tissue samples were stained with hematoxylin-eosin (HE) for histopathological examinations. Sdc1 was determined in the same liver tissues by immunohistochemistry. Infected liver tissues mainly showed severe inflammatory reactions, congestion, diffuse degeneration, and necrosis of hepatocytes around the cysts. The results indicated severe Sdc1-positive staining in hepatocytes around the cysts. Liver tissues of the control group showed relatively mild immunopositive reactions. This study determined that the Sdc1 significantly increased in the sheep livers with cystic echinococcosis infection.

Echinococcosis of animals and humans as a socially dangerous problem in a densely populated subject of the North Caucasus

Echinococcosis of animals and humans as a socially dangerous problem in a densely populated subject of the North Caucasus

Rapid and accurate screening of cystic echinococcosis in sheep based on serum Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy combined with machine learning algorithms.

Cystic echinococcosis (CE) in sheep is a serious zoonotic parasitic disease caused by Echinococcus granulosus sensu stricto (s.s.). Presently, the screening technology for CE in sheep is time-consuming and inaccurate, and novel screening technology is urgently needed. In this work, we combined machine-learning algorithms with Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy of serum to establish a quick and accurate screening approach for CE in sheep. Serum samples from 77 E. granulosus s.s.-infected sheep to 121 healthy control sheep were measured by FT-IR spectrometer. To optimize the classification accuracy of the serum FI-TR method for the E. granulosus s.s.-infected sheep and healthy control sheep, principal component analysis (PCA), linear discriminant analysis, and support vector machine (SVM) algorithms were used to analyze the data. Among all the bands, 1500-1700 cm-1 band has the best classification effect; its diagnostic sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of PCA-SVM were 100%, 95.74%, and 96.66%, respectively. The study showed that serum FT-IR spectroscopy combined with machine learning algorithms has great potential for rapid and accurate screening methods for the CE in sheep.

Modeling and analysis of the transmission dynamics of cystic echinococcosis: Effects of increasing the number of sheep.

A transmission dynamics model with the logistic growth of cystic echinococcus in sheep was formulated and analyzed. The basic reproduction number was derived and the results showed that the global dynamical behaviors were determined by its value. The disease-free equilibrium is globally asymptotically stable when the value of the basic reproduction number is less than one; otherwise, there exists a unique endemic equilibrium and it is globally asymptotically stable. Sensitivity analysis and uncertainty analysis of the basic reproduction number were also performed to screen the important factors that influence the spread of cystic echinococcosis. Contour plots of the basic reproduction number versus these important factors are presented, too. The results showed that the higher the deworming rate of dogs, the lower the prevalence of echinococcosis in sheep and dogs. Similarly, the higher the slaughter rate of sheep, the lower the prevalence of echinococcosis in sheep and dogs. It also showed that the spread of echinococcosis has a close relationship with the maximum environmental capacity of sheep, and that they have a remarkable negative correlation. This reminds us that the risk of cystic echinococcosis may be underestimated if we ignore the increasing number of sheep in reality.

The Diagnosis of Sheep Cystic Echinococcosis by Native Antigen B - Elisa Method

Cystic echinococcosis (CE) is one of the most prevalent zoonotic diseases in some countries in the world. Cystic echinococcosis is considered a neglected disease. This disease increases economic damage via medical costs and loss of human and livestock productivity. The aim of the current study gains a better understanding of the prevalence of CE in sheep. Totally 250 sheep sera were collected. 25 serum samples from newborn lambs were used as negative, and 25 others were obtained from slaughterhouses as positive to infection with CE and 200 unknown sera. Antigen B Isolated from hydatid cysts fluid was used for designing ELISA methods. The first Method used anti-Sheep conjugate (SIGMA, at 1:3000 dilution). According to the results, the seroprevalence of CE in East Azerbaijan of Iran was 5.5% and sensitivity and specificity for the diagnosis of hydatidosis in sheep by AgB-ELISA methods was 92%. Using Antigen B in ELISA design for hydatidosis diagnosis has attracted researchers in recent years. During this study, an Iranian native B antigen was used to design the specific detection of hydatidosis in sheep using a specific ELISA technique. The results have shown that using Antigen B in ELISA design is so valuable.

Protection against cystic echinococcosis in sheep using an Escherichia coli-expressed recombinant antigen (EG95) as a bacterin.

The EG95 recombinant vaccine is protective against cystic echinococcus in animal intermediate hosts. Preparation of the existing, registered EG95 vaccines involves semi-purification of the vaccine protein, adding to the cost of production. Truncation of the EG95 cDNA, shortening both the amino and carboxy-termini of the protein, leads to high levels of recombinant protein expression. The recombinant EG95 protein was prepared as a bacterin from clarified, whole bacterial lysate, and used in a vaccine trial in sheep against an experimental challenge infection with Echinococcus granulosus eggs. The EG95 bacterin was found to induce 98% protection. Use of this in a new generation EG95 vaccine would simplify production, facilitate new sources of the vaccine and potentially enhance uptake of vaccination in control of E. granulosus transmission.

The Diagnosis of Sheep Cystic Echinococcosis by Native Antigen B - Elisa Method

Cystic echinococcosis (CE) is one of the most prevalent zoonotic diseases in some countries in the world. Cystic echinococcosis is considered a neglected disease. This disease increases economic damage via medical costs and loss of human and livestock productivity. The aim of the current study gains a better understanding of the prevalence of CE in sheep. Totally 250 sheep sera were collected. 25 serum samples from newborn lambs were used as negative, and 25 others were obtained from slaughterhouses as positive to infection with CE and 200 unknown sera. Antigen B Isolated from hydatid cysts fluid was used for designing ELISA methods. The first Method used anti-Sheep conjugate (SIGMA, at 1:3000 dilution). According to the results, the seroprevalence of CE in East Azerbaijan of Iran was 5.5% and sensitivity and specificity for the diagnosis of hydatidosis in sheep by AgB-ELISA methods was 92%. Using Antigen B in ELISA design for hydatidosis diagnosis has attracted researchers in recent years. During this study, an Iranian native B antigen was used to design the specific detection of hydatidosis in sheep using a specific ELISA technique. The results have shown that using Antigen B in ELISA design is so valuable.

The comparison between AgB-ELISA and a new method of Nano-ELISA for diagnosis of hydatidosis in sheep

Hydatidosis is one of the most important zoonotic diseases, and it is transmitted via dogs to intermediate hosts such as humans and domestic animals including sheep and cattle. Epidemiological studies and genetic investigations indicate that the sheep strain is the most common species causing hydatid cysts in humans. The prevalence and incidence of this disease are increasing. According to surveys, economic losses due to this parasite in intermediate hosts are significant. In this survey, 25 serum samples were obtained from newborn lambs as negative control and obtained 25 serum samples from infected sheep to hydatidosis as the positive control. Antigen B isolated from hydatid cysts fluid was used for designing ELISA methods. Using Antigen B in ELISA design for hydatidosis diagnosis has attracted researchers in recent years. During this study, an Iranian native B antigen was used to design the specific detection of hydatidosis in sheep using a specific ELISA technique. The first method used the anti-Sheep conjugate (SIGMA, at 1:3000 dilution), and the second method used gold nanoparticles in combination with anti-sheep conjugate. According to the results, sensitivity and specificity in sheep of the AgB-ELISA method were both 92% and for the Nano-ELISA with Gold Nanoparticles 100% and 96%, respectively. Moreover, results indicated that using Antigen B in ELISA design is valuable but specificity and sensitivity will increase significantly, especially in lower titer, when gold nanoparticles with anti-sheep conjugate are used.

Assessment of the Vaccination Program against Cystic Echinococcosis in Sheep in the Pehuenche Community of Central Chile.

Echinococcosis is a neglected zoonosis that uses dogs and sheep as its main hosts in Chile. The Eg95 vaccine against sheep infection has been included in some control programs. Here, we assess the efficacy of the vaccination program in the hyperendemic Alto Biobío commune after 3 years of execution. Fisher's test and generalized linear models were used in the assessment. The program tried to offer a first dose at 2 months of age, a booster 1 month later, and yearly vaccination. Given logistic difficulties, important delays in vaccination occurred, and most animals did not receive the first booster. Dog deworming was not included in the program. Likely due to the aforementioned factors, the overall frequency of infection was not lower, but the proportion of large (>5 mm) cysts and fertile cysts was smaller after the program. The frequency of infection and/or the number of cysts were lower when the age at first dose was younger and the first booster was administered 1 month after the first dose. The results suggest that vaccination affects both cyst development after the larvae reach the target organs, as well as the development of the protoscolex once the cysts start developing.

Current Situation of Cystic Echinococcosis in Sheep in Turkey

Current Situation of Cystic Echinococcosis in Sheep in Turkey

Radiotherapy for the treatment of pulmonary hydatidosis in sheep.

Hydatidosis is an endemic disease causing a severe threat to public health. Drugs and surgery have been utilized for treatment, but their efficiency is not adequate. Therefore, new methods are required for treating such diseases. In this study, we attempt to evaluate the efficiency of radiotherapy for hydatidosis in sheep. The sheep naturally infected with pulmonary hydatid were randomly divided into four groups, including the control group subjected to no irradiation and the other three groups subjected to 30, 45, and 60 Gy irradiation, respectively. Gene expression of caspase-3 and gadd45a and protein expression of BCL-2 and BAX in the lung tissues were evaluated after treatment. Our data showed that the irradiation with a dose of 30, 45, and 60 Gy significantly induced the expression of caspase-3 and gadd45a. Immunohistochemical staining showed that the BCL-2 protein was downregulated after exposure to 45 Gy of irradiation, whereas the BAX expression was downregulated after irradiation at a dose of 45 and 60 Gy, respectively. On this basis, we speculated that 45 Gy might be a safe and effective dose for treating pulmonary hydatidosis in sheep, which induced lower expression of caspase-3 and gadd45a in the cyst and a downregulation of BCL-2 and BAX in the adjacent lung tissues.

Meta-Analysis of the Prevalence of Echinococcus in Sheep in China From 1983 to 2020.

Echinococcosis is a zoonosis caused by the larval stage of cestode species that belong to the genus Echinococcus. The infection of hydatid in sheep is very common in China, especially in the northwestern China. Here, we conducted the first systematic review and meta-analysis of echinococcosis in sheep in China. Six databases (PubMed, ScienceDirect, Baidu Library, CNKI, Wanfang, and VIP Chinese Journal Database) were used to retrieve the literatures on echinococcosis in sheep in China from 1983 to 2020, and 74 studies. The random effects model was used in the “meta” package of the R software and the PFT was chosen for rate conversion. The research data were analyzed through subgroup analysis and univariate meta-regression analysis to reveal the factors that lead to research heterogeneity. The combined prevalence of Echinococcus in the selected period was estimated to be 30.9% (192,094/826,406). In the analysis of sampling year, the lowest positive rate was 13.9% (10,296/177,318) after 2011. The highest prevalence of Echinococcus was 51.1% (278/531) in the southwestern China. The highest infection rate in sheep was 20.1% (58,344/597,815) in the liver. The analysis based on age showed that the infection rate of elderly sheep was significantly higher than that in younger animals (P < 0.05). We also evaluated the effects of different geographic and climatic factors on the prevalence of Echinococcus in sheep. The results showed that the prevalence of Echinococcus was higher in high altitude, cold, humid, and high rainfall areas. It is necessary to carry out long-term monitoring and control of echinococcosis, cut off the infection route, and reduce the risk of infection in the high risk areas.

Cystic echinococcosis in sheep and goats of Lebanon.

Cystic echinococcosis (CE), a zoonotic disease caused by the species complex of Echinococcus granulosus sensu lato (s.l.), is endemic in Middle East and the Mediterranean basin, where pastoral activity is widespread. Despite the chronic endemicity of the disease in Lebanon and neighbouring countries, recent data are scant. The objectives of this survey were to evaluate the current epidemiology of CE in Lebanon, investigate the prevalence and determine the infecting genotypes in locally raised sheep and goats. A multidimensional approach combining post-mortem inspection of slaughtered animals and molecular diagnosis of the parasite was conducted to this end. From 2018 to 2020, 62.9% of the sheep and 20.9% of the goats were found positive for CE. The presence of hydatids varied between organs, showing higher prevalence in the liver of sheep vs the lungs of goats, however, a higher fertility rate of hydatid cyst was observed in lungs for both animals. Molecular diagnosis based on partial mitochondrial cox1 gene (795 bp) showed that the majority of isolates were identified as E. granulosus sensu stricto (98.7%) and only one isolate from goat was identified as Echinococcus canadensis (genotype G7; 1.3%). Echinococcus granulosus s.s. population among the sheep and goats was represented by 22 haplotypes having very little genetic differentiation and relatively moderate haplotype diversity. Population demographics explored through neutrality indices suggested expanding population within the intermediate hosts. These results document the high prevalence of CE in the livestock of Lebanon and reveal for the first time the presence of three different genotypes G1, G3 and G7.

Prevalence of Liver Hydatidosis and Its Economic Significance in Sheep Slaughtered in a Private Abattoir in Konya

This study aimed to determine the prevalence of liver hydatidosis in sheep slaughtered in a private slaughterhouse in Konya and to estimate the economic loss incurred because of the disease. The study was conducted over a period of 12 months between 1 June 2018 and 31 May 2019. Given that the aim of this investigation was to determine the prevalence of liver hydatidosis, only the livers of 41,002 sheep were examined for hydatid cysts. The liver of 810 (1.97%) sheep was found to be infected with hydatid cysts during the study period. The infection rate was determined as 5.34% in animals older than one year of age and 1.68% in animals less than one year of age. Regardless of the age group, the highest infection rate was found in autumn (3.34%), while the lowest infection rate was seen in spring (0.84%). In the sheep, the highest infection rate was in December (17.2%), and in lambs, it was in June (2.9%). On the other hand, the lowest infection rate in sheep was observed in November (1.8%), while the lowest infection rate in lambs was found in April (0.7%). The total economic loss incurred due to the annihilated livers was estimated as 36,450 TL (6.417$). Regardless of the number of cysts and degree of infection, the infected livers were completely discarded. The economic loss incurred due to the discarded livers was estimated by considering the 2019 offal prices. Based on the data obtained from this study, it could be concluded that hydatidosis still exists in Konya as well as throughout Turkey and that it causes serious economic loss.

Fast Focus Ultrasound Liver Technique for the Assessment of Cystic Echinococcosis in Sheep.

Simple SummaryCystic echinococcosis (CE) is a parasitic zoonosis caused by the larval stage of the tapeworm Echinococcus granulosus. The liver ultrasonography can be considered as the gold standard for the in vivo diagnosis detection of CE. Nevertheless, control programs against E. granulosus are considered long-term actions that require an integrated approach and the high expenditure of time and financial resources. This parasitosis still causes severe economic losses both in human healthcare and in the entire livestock breeding system, with loss in milk, meat, and wool production. Considering the impact of this zoonosis in the modern sheep’s breeding system, a reliable hepatic ultrasound could represent an innovative strategy to control and even eradicate the disease in sheep farms. Based on these considerations, the present study aimed to evaluate a fast-focused technique for hepatic CE detection in different sheep breeds and compare the performance of the latter with another fast-scan (previously evaluated in Sarda sheep breed), the complete ultrasound liver examination, and the anatomopathological examination.A complete ultrasound examination (cUS) of the liver was performed on 172 female sheep and compared to the performance of a fast-focused ultrasound technique to diagnose echinococcal cysts. The scanned area was divided in: HYP (right hypocondrium), zone (Z)1 from HYP to the 11th intercostal space (IS), Z2 (10th–8th IS) and Z3 (7th–5th IS). Contiguous scans were also examined (HYP + Z1, Z1 + Z2, Z2 + Z3). Furthermore, during the procedures, the sheep were divided into three groups according to the body weight: Group (G) 1 (lighter), G2 (medium), and G3 (heavier). Finally, diagnostic outcomes were compared with necropsy findings. cUS obtained the highest values of sensitivity (Se) (91%), Specificity (Sp) (80%), and positive-zones (124/138, 90%), as compared to the other scans. cUS was also characterized by high values of Se and Sp and was able to identify a great number of positive-zones, when sheep were divided by body-weight groups. Similar performances were obtained in G1 by HYP (Se: 91%–Sp: 82%; 18/20, 90% of positive-zones) and HYP + Z1 scans (Se: 91%–Sp: 82; 90% of positive-zones, 18/20). Thus, in lighter breeds, the examination of HYP and HYP + Z1 scan windows could be considered reliable techniques for identifying the infected animals, while in heavier sheep the cUS still represents the best option.

Ocorrência e mapeamento de cisticercose, fasciolose e hidatidose em bovinos e ovinos na região sul do Rio Grande do Sul (2018-2019) e importância em saúde pública

A responsabilidade do setor agropecuário em produzir alimentos de forma eficaz busca também por atender essa demanda de forma sustentável gerando produtos seguros ao consumidor final. Cisticercose, fasciolose e hidatidose são zoonoses. A infecção humana ocorre pela ingestão de alimentos mal passados ou mal lavados contendo formas infectantes destes parasitos, podendo causar diversos prejuízos à saúde dos acometidos. O objetivo deste trabalho foi estabelecer a ocorrência destas três enfermidades em ovinos e bovinos com origem em municípios da área de abrangência da 12ª Supervisão Regional do Departamento de Inspeção de Produtos de Origem Animal (DIPOA) da SEAPDR-RS, abatidos sob inspeção estadual no período de janeiro de 2018 a dezembro de 2019. Neste período foram abatidos o total de 227.946 bovinos, sendo 113.907 em 2018 e 114.039 em 2019, contabilizados animais de diversas categorias de idade. A taxa média de ocorrência considerando o período foi de 0,75% para cisticercose, 49,14% para fasciolose e 16,22% para hidatidose. O número total de ovinos abatidos foi 45.695, dos quais, 23.746 no ano de 2018 e 21.949 no ano de 2019. As ocorrências das doenças nesta espécie, considerando a média para o período, foram 0,86% para cisticercose, 0,63% para fasciolose e 11,62% para hidatidose. Conclui-se que, neste período de estudo, a fasciolose apresentou a maior ocorrência em bovinos e a hidatidose em ovinos. Os dados avaliados neste artigo servem como ferramenta para ações em saúde pública e evidenciam a importância dos Serviços de Inspeção Oficial e do profissional Médico Veterinário na obtenção de alimentos seguros.

Incidence of Hydatidosis in Slaughtered Animals and their Relation to Public Health at Baghdad Province

Hydatid cysts disease is an important public health problem and economic losses especially at developingcountries such, Iraq. A study of incidence of hydatidosis in sheep and cattle, which are slaughtered foodanimals, was carried out at different areas of Baghdad province outside the government abattoirs, duringa period of 18 months from November 2016 to May 2018. Both slaughtered livestock animals (sheep andcattle) which are local breed of both sexes, they are of difference areas in boundary at Baghdad city, and withages having non descriptive features. Hand palpation and visual inspection were followed in this study. Atotal , 2594 carcasses were examined comprising 1632 sheep and 962 cattle, from these 33, 11 ( sheep andcattle) respectively were found to harbour the cysts, recording percentages of (2.0%, 1.1%) respectively. Thepredominant location cysts at the liver (48.4%, 45.4% ) in sheep and cattle respectively, next by the lungs ,in sheep and cattle (39.3%, 36.3%) respectively. Next to the mixed organs (liver + lung), the incidence was(18.1%) in cattle and (9.0%) in sheep. The percentage of cysts in heart of sheep was (3.0%) but in cattle itwas (0%) Zero. The results revealed that fertile cysts only, were present in sheep with (87.8%) fertility. Cystsin the organs ranged(1-13,2-7) in sheep and cattle respectively. It can be observed that , sheep play a majorrole for distributions the disease. Suggestive control measures and public health hazard were mentioned.

Bayesian Analysis of Three Methods for Diagnosis of Cystic Echinococcosis in Sheep.

Diagnosis of cystic echinococcosis (CE) in sheep is essentially based on necropsy findings. Clinical symptoms can be easily overlooked, while the use of immunological tests is still not recommended for an intra vitam diagnosis. This study assessed the performances of three post-mortem laboratory methods in the diagnosis of ovine CE. In the absence of a single and accurate test as a gold standard, the results of multiple analytical tests can be combined to estimate diagnostic performance based on a Bayesian statistical approach. For this purpose, livers (n = 77), and lungs (n = 79) were sampled from adult sheep and examined using gross pathology, histopathology and molecular analyses. Data from the three diagnostic methods were analyzed using a Bayesian latent class analysis model to evaluate their diagnostic accuracy in terms of sensitivity (Se), specificity (Sp), positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV). The gross pathology examination revealed excellent diagnostic capabilities in diagnosing ovine CE with an Se of 99.7 (96.7–99.8), Sp of 97.5 (90.3–99.8), PPV of 97.6 (90.5–100), and NPV of 99.7 (96.5–100). The experimental design used in this work could be implemented as a validation protocol in a quality assurance system.