Fertile Hydatid Cysts Research Articles

Cystic echinococcosis in dromedary camel: Biochemical, histopathological and parasitological studies

This study was conducted on 600 dromedary camels from March 2017 to December 2017 at Al Omran (n=330) and Al Ahsa (n=270) abattoirs (Al Ahsa Province, Saudi Arabia). The study was designed to determine the prevalence, cyst fertility and viability, biochemical and electrolyte analysis of fertile and infertile hydatid cyst as well as histopathological findings. In these 600/2600 (23.07%) camels were randomly selected for antemortem examintation. Total 171 (28.5%) were found infected with hydatid cyst, i.e. 91 (27.6%) from Omran and 80 (29.6%) from Al-Ahsa abattoirs, respectively. Furthermore, 171 hydatid cysts were examined for fertility and viability. In Al Omran, 4/91 (4.4%) were found to be fertile and viable, 1/91 (1.1%) was fertile non viable, 23/91 (25.3%) were sterile and 63/91 (69.2%) in Al Ahsa, 2/80 (2.5%) were found to be fertile and viable, whereas, 33/80 (41.2%) were sterile and 45/80 (56.2%) were calcified. Biochemical and electrolyte analysis of hydatid cysts showed significant increase in iron, total protein and alkaline phosphatase in fertile cyst. Whereas, sterile cysts showed significant increase in triglyceride, chloride and sodium. In conclusion, infertile cysts were either sterile or calcified in the dromedary camel and were predominant. The biochemical and electrolyte parameters of cyst fluid could help us to recognise different kind of cysts.

Analysis of chemical and biochemical composition of fertile and sterile hydatid cyst fluids of human origin

The present study were made for analysis of major chemical and biochemical components of twenty hydatid cysts fluids include two group (10 fertile cysts and 10 sterile cysts) obtained from the lung and liver of 29 infected patients admitted to medicine city hospital for operation during a period of 6 month these components were measured by colorimetric assay kits (Biolabo®, Human). Results revealed marked (P<0.05).differences in the mean values, particularly among enzymes (Glutanicoxaloacetic transaminase, Glutanic pyruvic transaminase and Alkaline phosphatase), between fertile and sterile fluids while Lactate dehydrogenase level was exhibited high activities in fertile and sterile isolates, these values was less than normal values in serum . The mean values of Iron, Zinc Sodium Phosphorus and potassium, were found higher in fertile isolates, while marked decrease in sterile isolates. Furthermore, the Copper revealed quantitative differences (P<0.05) between the two isolates. Manganese and chloride constituted the major volume in the fluid anions, in fertile and reach maximum in sterile fluid. Differences were detected in the levels of glucose of fertile which increased significantly (P<0.05). The data detected no significant difference (P>0.05) in total protein which exhibit high in fertile and sterile fluid. Also Calcium and Magnesium mean values revealed same in both isolates. Trace elements like Urea, Uric acid, Bilirubin Creatinine and Lipid increase in liver diseases such as (Cholesterol, and Triglycerides) level was found higher in fertile and sterile isolates. In compare with previous studies the present investigations reflected quantitative difference in mean values of biochemical parameters of fertile and sterile of hydatid cyst fluids contributed to fertility of cyst and viability of protoscoles. Fertile cyst which contain broad capsule and protoscoles which responsible of high concentration in these elements than sterile fluid which lack the broad capsule and protoscoles , which may pointed some variable in parasite metabolism endurance, growth rate, intermediate host specificity location of cyst among lungs or livers or even strain variation.

Isolation and characterization of exosomes derived from fertile sheep hydatid cysts

Cystic echinococcosis (CE) is a chronic and complex zoonotic disease. Information on the mechanisms involved in parasite establishment, growth and persistence remain limited. These may be modulated by a crosstalk between extracellular vesicles (EVs). EVs including exosomes and microvesicles are able to carry developmental signaling proteins which coordinate growth and establishment of several parasites. Here, an exosome enriched EV fraction was isolated from hydatid fluid (HF) of fertile sheep cysts. A proteomic analysis of this fraction identified a number of parasite-derived vesicle-membrane associated proteins as well as cytosolic proteins. Additionally, the exosomal enriched fraction contained proteins of host origin. Specific proteins −antigen B2 and TSPAN14- in the exosomal fraction were further assayed by immunoblot and transmission electron microscopy. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on the presence of parasite exosomes in fertile hydatid cyst fluid. Further characterization of the exosome cargo will allow the discovery of new markers for the detection of CE in humans and animals, and the treatment of CE patients, and provide new insights regarding the role of these EVs in the establishment and persistence of hydatid cysts.

Reprint of “Echinococcus granulosus sensu stricto (s.s.) from the critically endangered antelope Addax nasomaculatus in Tunisia”

Echinococcus granulosus sensu lato (s.l.) is a zoonotic disease highly endemic in Tunisia. Canids including stray and semi-stray dogs, jackals and foxes are known as definitive hosts and a wide range of ungulates have been shown to harbour the metacestode hydatid stage and may serve as intermediate hosts. Fertile hydatid cysts of Echinococcus equinus and E. granulosus sensu stricto (s.s.) were recently molecularly identified for the first time from Tunisian donkeys. E. granulosus (s.s.) was also identified from wild boars in Tunisia. Here we report the confirmation of hydatid cysts caused by E. granulosus (s.s.) in the critically endangered antelope, Addax nasomaculatus in Tunisia. DNA-based molecular analysis revealed that A. nasomaculatus was infected with E. granulosus (s.s.) which had a 100% identity with the main globally distributed E. granulosus (s.s.) (EgTu01) haplotype. Cysts of Taenia hydatigena (n=33) were also observed on the liver and in the body cavity. Due to their endangered status and their relatively small numbers, it is unlikely that hydatid infection of A. nasomaculatus will form a major contribution to the epidemiology and transmission of E. granulosus in Tunisia, but infection may result in pathology, morbidity and early mortality, and may still play a role in the perpetuation of the parasite in wildlife cycles.

Echinococcus granulosus sensu stricto, Echinococcus canadensis (G7), and Echinococcus ortleppi in fertile hydatid cysts isolated from cattle in Southern Brazil

Echinococcosis is a cosmopolitan zoonotic infection that affects humans and animals. The aim of this study was to identify and characterize the fertile hydatid cysts from bovine viscera in order to verify different species and/or genotypes present in Southern Brazil. Firstly, cysts were collected from a slaughterhouse, which received animals from different regions of Rio Grande do Sul State (RS), considered an important area of occurrence of cystic echinococcosis. In total, 2396 cysts were analyzed by microscopy to verify the presence of protoscoleces. Protoscoleces were detected in 291 samples and were classified as fertile hydatid cysts. Total DNA was extracted from protoscoleces and amplified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Two hundred and fifty-one samples were identified by PCR and characterized as G5/G6/G7 genotypes, of which 40 belonged to Echinococcus granulosus sensu stricto (G1–G3). PCR was also performed, using G5-specific primers to identify 250 samples as Echinococcus ortleppi (G5). Only one sample was identified as Echinococcus canadensis (G7) by DNA sequencing using primers specific for the coxI gene. Phylogenetic analysis was also performed and identified three distinct groups E1 (G5), E2 (G7), and E3 (G1–G3), which were grouped according to similarity of their sequences. The study highlights the fact that E. granulosus sensu stricto, E. ortleppi, and E. canadensis (G7) were infecting cattle in RS, emphasizing the adaptation of different species of Echinococcus to this intermediate host.

Molecular identification of Echinococcus granulosus isolates from ruminants in Greece

Cystic echinococcosis is a parasitic disease caused by Echinococcus granulosus, a cestode with worldwide distribution. Data on the circulating Echinococcus granulosus genotypes in Greek livestock is scant. The aim of the present study was to conduct a genetic analysis of 82 Echinococcus granulosus isolates from ruminants in Greece, including areas which until today have not been the subject of studies. The analysis relied on a PCR assay targeting cytochrome c oxidase, subunit 1 gene (CO1), followed by bidirectional sequence analysis of the amplification product. Eighty (n=80) of the 82 (97.6%) isolates were allocated to Echinococcus granulosus sensu stricto (G1-G3) and were classified in 13 distinct haplotypes (9 common and 4 novel) with 12 polymorphic sites. The presence of the dominant haplotype EG1 as was documented in the European populations, was indicated in the country. Almost all regions shared the same common haplotype. In comparison to this predominant haplotype, the number of the nucleotide changes in all the other haplotypes ranged from 1 to 5. All nucleotide changes proved to be transitions (A↔G or C↔T). Two fertile hydatid cysts of sheep origin in different areas (Arkadia, Ilia) of the Peloponnese were identified as Echinococcus canadensis (G7 genotype).

Prevalence of hydatidosis and fertility of hydatid cysts in food animals in Northern Greece.

This study was conducted in order to determine the prevalence of hydatidosis due to Echinococcus granulosus sensu lato and the fertility rate of hydatid cysts in sheep, goats, cattle, and pigs slaughtered at the abattoir of Lagkada, in the Prefecture of Thessaloniki, Northern Greece. Lungs and livers from a total of 294 sheep (31.3% infected), 126 goats (8.7% infected), 372 cattle (4.8% infected), and 641 pigs (1.7% infected) were examined. The number of hydatid cysts found in infected sheep was 657 (58.3% fertile, 12.8% sterile, and 28.9% calcified cysts), in goats 54 (14.8% fertile, 38.9% sterile, and 46.3% calcified cysts), in cattle 108 (24.1% fertile, 50.0% sterile, and 25.9% calcified cysts) and in pigs 47 (10.6% fertile, 55.4% sterile, and 34.0% calcified cysts). Lung infection with hydatid cysts was higher (p<0.05) in sheep, goats, and cattle than in pigs (56.5%, 77.8% and 62.0% vs. 17.0%, respectively); while liver infection was lower (p<0.05) in sheep, goats, and cattle than in pigs (43.5%, 22.2% and 38.0% vs. 83.0%, respectively). Among the 4 species slaughtered for human consumption, sheep exhibited the highest frequency of hydatidosis and the highest proportion of fertile cysts.

Hematological and Serological Investigation of Dogs during Experimental Echinococcosis.

To study the hematological findings of dogs infected with echinococcosis and the possibility of using in vitro reared Echinococcus granulosus excretory-secretory antigen (ES-Ag) as a reagent for serological diagnosis of canine echinococcosis. Eight dogs were infected orally with protoscoleces, extracted from ovine fertile hydatid cysts. Two additional dogs were infected with Cysticercus tenuicollis, obtained from infested sheep. The hematological parameters of dogs were determined with the ADVIA 2120i automatic hematology analyzer with a blood smear staining module. Adult E. granulosus and/or Taenia hydatigena that were collected from small pieces of the open gut and the larval cestodes that were extracted from infested sheep during slaughter were cultured in an incomplete RPMI-1640 medium. The parasite-ES-Ag-containing supernatant was used as an antigen in enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) to detect antibodies in the sera of infected dogs. A significant increase in hemoglobin concentration and erythrocyte count was found during the infection, as well as an increasing proportion of lymphocytes and segmented neutrophils, accompanied by a significant reduction of the leukocyte count and a growth of both the absolute and the relative eosinophil count. ELISA found a strengthening antigenicity of echinococcus preparations during infection. This property was more pronounced in the protoscoleces ES-Ag, compared to the eponymous antigen of an adult parasite. The latter gave specificity to ELISA, which allowed differentiating it from the similar antigen of the closely related tapeworm T. hydatigena. In vitro reared adult E. granulosus ES-Ag can be used as an antigen in the serological diagnosis of canine echinococcosis. Hematological parameters and serological results have predictive value in the screening of dogs for echinococcosis; however, in some individuals, they may reflect the state of resistance to invasion.

Genotype and Phenotype of Echinococcus granulosus Derived from Wild Sheep (Ovis orientalis) in Iran.

The aim of the present study is to determine the characteristics of genotype and phenotype of Echinococcus granulosus derived from wild sheep and to compare them with the strains of E. granulosus sensu stricto (sheep-dog) and E. granulosus camel strain (camel-dog) in Iran. In Khojir National Park, near Tehran, Iran, a fertile hydatid cyst was recently found in the liver of a dead wild sheep (Ovis orientalis). The number of protoscolices (n=6,000) proved enough for an experimental infection in a dog. The characteristics of large and small hooks of metacestode were statistically determined as the sensu stricto strain but not the camel strain (P=0.5). To determine E. granulosus genotype, 20 adult worms of this type were collected from the infected dog. The second internal transcribed spacer (ITS2) of the nuclear ribosomal DNA (rDNA) and cytochrome c oxidase 1 subunit (COX1) of the mitochondrial DNA were amplified from individual adult worm by PCR. Subsequently, the PCR product was sequenced by Sanger method. The lengths of ITS2 and COX1 sequences were 378 and 857 bp, respectively, for all the sequenced samples. The amplified DNA sequences from both ribosomal and mitochondrial genes were highly similar (99% and 98%, respectively) to that of the ovine strain in the GenBank database. The results of the present study indicate that the morpho-molecular features and characteristics of E. granulosus in the Iranian wild sheep are the same as those of the sheep-dog E. granulosus sensu stricto strain.

Field Investigation on Cystic Hydatid Infection in Man and Camel in Tambool Town and Khartoum State Hospitals, Sudan

Echinococcosis/hydatidosis is a zoonotic disease. The disease is caused by adult worms and larval (metacestode) stages of the taeniid cestode Echinococcus granulosus. The life cycle is completed into two hosts. The final host usually carnivore e.g. dog, and the intermediate host usually herbivorous and man. The aim of this study is to evaluate the fertility of cysts and viability of protoscoleces in man and camel hydatid cysts in order to determine the prevalence of their fertility and to study the association with variables typical of host and of the parasite. Material and methods: Across-sectional and observations study was done in biological material (the fluid from human and camel hepatic and lung hydatid cysts). The viability criteria used were ovoid form invaginated scolices and intact calcareous corpuscles. The presence of vibrating movements, and the absence of “vital” staining, the cysts were grouped in diameter cysts from small cysts to very large size of cysts. Descriptive statistics were for the calculation of the prevalence of fertility, analytical statistics for comparison of groups, and multivariate analysis for examination of the association between cyst fertility and clinical variables. Results: A total of 99 cysts with less than 2 cm 5 (7.8%), from 2-6 cm 52 (81.2%,) medium diameter 6-10 cm 37 (57.8%), and more than 10 cm 5 (7.8), and prevalence of general fertility 68%, sterial cysts was 6%, supporative was 10% and calcified was 15%. Most of camel fertile cysts had medium size (81.2%), while the lowest rate belongs to the small cysts (7.8%). There was significant relationship between fertility of the cyst, type of infected organs, type of animals and size of cyst. Association with location, type, and diameter of the cyst, the viability Protoscoleces was assessed by microscopic observation of biological feature represented by muscular movements, flame cell activity in 0.1% aqueous eosin stain. Conclusion: The differences between prevalence rates, the fertility of hydatid cysts and diversity sites localization observed in humans and camels. Fertility is associated with the type of cyst, location type, type of animal and size of cyst.

Assessing the Impact of BCG Vaccine and Fertile Hydatid Cyst Fluid in Classical and Alternative Macrophage Polarization

Assessing the Impact of BCG Vaccine and Fertile Hydatid Cyst Fluid in Classical and Alternative Macrophage Polarization

Echinococcus granulosus sensu stricto (s.s.) from the critically endangered antelope Addax nasomaculatus in Tunisia

Echinococcus granulosus sensu lato (s.l.) is a zoonotic disease highly endemic in Tunisia. Canids including stray and semi-stray dogs, jackals and foxes are known as definitive hosts and a wide range of ungulates have been shown to harbour the metacestode hydatid stage and may serve as intermediate hosts. Fertile hydatid cysts of Echinococcus equinus and E. granulosus sensu stricto (s.s.) were recently molecularly identified for the first time from Tunisian donkeys. E. granulosus (s.s.) was also identified from wild boars in Tunisia. Here we report the confirmation of hydatid cysts caused by E. granulosus (s.s.) in the critically endangered antelope, Addax nasomaculatus in Tunisia. DNA-based molecular analysis revealed that A.nasomaculatus was infected with E. granulosus (s.s.) which had a 100% identity with the main globally distributed E. granulosus (s.s.) (EgTu01) haplotype. Cysts of Taenia hydatigena (n=33) were also observed on the liver and in the body cavity. Due to their endangered status and their relatively small numbers, it is unlikely that hydatid infection of A. nasomaculatus will form a major contribution to the epidemiology and transmission of E. granulosus in Tunisia, but infection may result in pathology, morbidity and early mortality, and may still play a role in the perpetuation of the parasite in wildlife cycles.

Molecular characterization and seroprevalence of Echinococcus granulosus in wild boars (Sus scrofa) in south-western Iran.

This study presents the first molecular and serological evaluation of Echinococcus granulosus infections in wild boars in Iran. Twenty five wild boars were collected in south-western Iran, during authorized hunting program, from March to October 2013, necropsied and examined for E. granulosus infection. Furthermore, seroprevalence of cystic echinococcosis in hunted boars was evaluated by an ELISA system. A fertile hydatid cyst due to E. granulosus was detected in the lung of one of the animals. Genotype analysis of the isolate was determined by analyzing a mitochondrial gene, cytochrome C oxidase subunit 1 (co1). DNA was extracted from the cyst sample and polymerase chain reaction amplification and DNA sequencing of the specific region of the co1 gene was performed. Molecular evaluation confirmed the presence of a sheep strain, the G1 genotype, in the wild boar in south-western Iran. This is the first report of the presence of G1 genotype of E. granulosus in wild boar in Iran. Serological evaluation of hydatid cyst by antigen-B ELISA revealed E. granulosus antibodies in 5 (20%) of 25 wild boars. A statistically significant difference was observed between the prevalence of E. granulosus antibodies and gender while the difference between the seroprevalence of E. granulosus and age was insignificant. Findings of this study might have important implications for the prevention and control of cystic echinococcosis.

Bovine IgG subclasses and fertility of Echinococcus granulosus hydatid cysts

Hydatidosis is an important zoonotic disease of worldwide distribution, causing important health problems to humans and major economical losses in infected livestock. Echinococcus granulosus, the etiological agent of hydatid disease, induces a humoral immune response in the intermediate host (human and herbivorous) against hydatid cyst antigens. Specifically, IgGs are found in the laminar and germinal layers and inside the lumen of fertile and infertile hydatid cysts. In the germinal layer of infertile cysts IgGs are found in an order of magnitude greater than in the germinal layer of fertile cysts; a fraction of those IgGs are associated with high affinity to germinal layer proteins, suggesting their binding to specific parasite antigens. We have previously shown that those immunoglobulins, bound with high affinity to the germinal layer of hydatid cysts, induce apoptosis leading to cyst infertility.In the present work the presence of IgG1 and IgG2 subclasses in the germinal layer of both fertile and infertile hydatid cysts is reported. IgG1 is the most relevant immunoglobulin subclass present in the germinal layer of infertile cysts and bound with high affinity to that parasite structure. Contrarily, though the IgG2 subclass was also found in the germinal and adventitial layers, those immunoglobulins show low affinity to parasite antigens.We propose that the binding of an IgG1 subclass to parasite antigens present in the germinal layer is involved in the mechanism of cyst infertility.

Infected hydatid cysts bacteria in slaughtered livestock and their effects on protoscoleces degeneration.

Background:The protoscoleces of fertile hydatid cysts are considered as major risks in surgery and producing secondary cysts if rupture the cyst during operation and, cause infecting the dogs with adult worm if eaten by this animal. Bacterial infection of the hydatid fluid can lead to sterilization of the cyst.Objectives:The aim of this study was to determine the bacterial infection rate of livestock hydatid cysts in Hamedan, Iran, and test the isolated bacteria effects on viable protoscoleces, in vitro.Materials and Methods:A total of 5709 slaughtered livestock were inspected to detect the presence of hydatid cysts. The hydatid fluid of all cysts was cultured separately to isolate and identify the bacteria. The effect of isolated bacteria was tested on viable protoscoleces in culture tubes, in vitro. The culture tubes were observed and examined under a light microscope every two hours for 24 hours, and then, after 36 and 48 hours.Results:Infected cysts were found in 74% of animals in Hamedan (46% were calcified and the bacteria was isolated from 52%) and 62% in Borujerd. The isolated bacteria in the infected cysts were as follows: Escherichia coli, E. blattae, Klebsiella pnoumoniae, Proteus mirabilis, Enterobacter aerogenes, coagulase-positive and coagulase-negative Staphylococci, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Edwardsiella tarda. The protoscoleces incubated with the isolated bacteria totally degenerated, but 55% of the protoscoleces in the control groups were intact and viable even after one week.Conclusions:This study indicated a high percentage of cysts bacterial infections in two provinces of Iran. The common isolated bacteria were E. coli and Klebsiella. The isolated bacteria degenerated the protoscoleces during short-time incubation, in vitro.

Epidemiological and molecular characterization of antigens extracted from Hydatid cysts of camel, cattle and donkeys in Egypt

Cystic echinococcosis or Hydatid disease is recognized as an important worldwide distributed disease from the clinical, economical and zoonotic point of view. In the present work, 180 camels and 90 cattle freshly slaughtered at Cairo abattoir and 120 donkeys scarified at Giza zoo, were inspected for infection by Hydatid cysts (HC) in Egypt. The highest incidence of HC infection was 18.9% in Camel, 14.2% in donkeys and the lowest 3.3% in cattle. Regarding the site of HC infection was 94.3% and 90.2% in Camel lungs and donkeys liver. The fertility of HC was 79.24% and 29.4% from camel and donkeys, while, all inspected hydatid cysts collected from cattle were found calcified. Germinal membranes of fertile HC were used for DNA extraction followed by PCR amplification. It was used for identification of internal transcribed spacer gene1(ITS1)from camel and donkeys by using specific primer. The amplified DNA fragment was further analyzed by PCR mediated restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR RFLP) using two restriction enzymes (MSP1 and RSA1). The PCR yielded similar amplified DNA band of the same molecular size marker at 1115 bp in different isolates of Hydatid. No band variation of ITS 1 gene could be detected by PCR- RFLP by using two restriction enzymes. Amplification product of ITSI after digestion with MSP1 showed at 661 bp, while those restricted with RSA1 enzyme appeared at 745 bp. Keywords: Molecular, Hydatid cyst, Antigens, PCR, Camel and Donkeys, Egypt.

Genotypic characterization of Echinococcus granulosus in Iranian goats

ObjectiveTo isolate and characterize the genotype of Echinococcus granulosus (E. granulosus) from goats in Mazandaran Province, Northern Iran. MethodsA total of 120 goats were screened from abattoirs of Mazandaran Province, Northern Iran. Forty out of 120 samples were infected with cystic echinococcosis and 29 out of 40 infected samples were fertile hydatid cysts (containing protoscolices) which were collected from the livers and lungs of infected goats. DNA samples were extracted from the protoscolices and characterized by mitochondrial DNA sequencing of part of the mitochondrial cytochrome C oxidase subunit 1 gene. ResultsSequences analysis of nine fertile hydatid cysts indicated that all isolated samples were infected with the G1 sheep strain and two sequences were belonged to G14 and G1c microvarients of the G1 genotype. ConclusionsThe results showed that goats act as alternative intermediate hosts for sheep strain. G1 genotype seems to be the main route of transmission and it should be considered in further studies.

Prevalence, cyst characterization and economic importance of bovine hydatidosis in Mekelle municipality abattoir, Northern Ethiopia

A cross-sectional survey of bovine hydatidosis was carried out on 840 local zebu cattle slaughtered at Mekelle municipal abattoir to determine the prevalence, fertility of hydatid cysts and to assess economic loss. The total prevalence rate was found to be 28.09% at the study period of 8 months from October to May. Observation during the survey period also revealed that the infection rate among different age groups of examined animals were found to be statistically significant (p<0.05), with the highest in old aged cattle (31.98%) followed by adult (21.63%) and young (17.65%). There was statistically significant difference between infection rate and body condition score of the animals with 37.24% lean, 26.27% medium and 21.64% fat body condition. More than 98% of the infected organs were lungs and livers, with higher prevalence in lungs than liver. Out of the total 949 cyst identified, 65.54% were found in lung, 32.88% in liver, 1.01% in heart and 0.53% in kidney. Four hundred and eighty nine of the cysts were small, 160 were medium, 180 were large and 115 were calcified. The fertile, sterile and calcified cysts were found to be 17.44, 45.27 and 37.29%, respectively. Twenty three percent of the fertile cysts were viable and the rest were not. The total annual economic loss was estimated to be 5,200 US Dollar. Furthermore, attempts were made to correlate the origin of the animal and there was no significance between highland and lowland areas. Key words: Abattoir, economic loss, hydatidosis, prevalence, zebu cattle.

Gross and histological comparison of hydatid cyst infection in livers of sheep and cows

Three samples of fertile hydatid cysts and 3 other sterile were collected from sheep liver and 3 samples of sterile hydatid cysts from cows liver. Infected liver samples with hydatid cyst were obtained from meat seal shops in AL-Muthanna province in December 2010, then measured dimensions of cysts and calculated the quantity of hydatid fluid and viability of protoscolices by staining with eosin stain then examining under a light microscope of 40x. petechial hemorrhage and paleness around cysts were important gross lesions in sheep in addition to calcification in cow hydatid cysts, on another hand the histological lesions were thickened fibrous layer and severe necrosis with infiltrations of eosinophils and extensive calcification in cows liver. There was a significant effect of the amount of hydatid cyst, thickness of the fibrous layer and thickness of the necrotic layer.

Prevalence, organ distribution, risk factors, and financial losses of hydatid cysts in sheep and goats slaughtered in restaurants in Jimma, south western Oromia

A cross-sectional study was carried out from November 2010 through April 2011 to determine the prevalence, risk factors, number, size, and fertility of hydatid cysts in infected organs and assess the economic losses due to condemnation of organs in sheep and goats slaughtered in different restaurants in Jimma Town. For this purpose, a total of 804 small ruminants (502 sheep and 302 goats) slaughtered in Jimma Town were examined for presence of hydatid cysts. Hydatid cysts were detected in 149 (29.5 %) sheep and 75 (24.8 %) goats examined. Results of the study showed that statistically significant variation was never observed in the prevalence of hydatid cysts between sheep and goat hosts. In the study, 162 (25.8 %) males and 62 (35.5 %) females were found to harbor hydatid cysts in one or more of their organs. Significantly higher prevalence in females than males was recorded. An overall prevalence of 26.3 % in young and 29.4 % in adult sheep and goats of hydatid cysts was recorded. Our study showed that the liver was the most commonly infected organs of sheep and goats with the prevalence of 50.7 % followed by the lungs (37.5 %) whereas the rest 11.3 % was mixed infection. In sheep, out of the total 508 cysts collected, 38.6 % small, 45.5 % medium, and 21.3 % large were recorded. Similarly, for goats, the corresponding values of 33.8, 43.5, and 22.4 % were detected, respectively. In this study, a total of 168 from sheep and 135 cysts from goats collected from different infected organs were subjected to fertility and viability studies. Results of the study revealed that out of the total 95 (56.5 %) of the fertile cysts in sheep, 81 (85.3 %) were viable; however, the rest 14 (14.7 %) were nonviable. In goats, out of the total 59 (43.7 %) of the fertile cysts, 44 (74.6 %) were viable; however, the rest 15 (25.4 %) were nonviable. Significantly higher numbers of fertile cysts were recorded in the livers than in the lungs in both sheep and goats hosts. The total annual economic loss incurred due to cystic echinococcosis in sheep and goats slaughtered in restaurants in Jimma Town was estimated to be 149,312.8 USD (249,324 ETB). In view of the findings of the current study, there is a need and recommendation for proper disposal of offal, reduction of backyard slaughtering, and control of stray dogs to prevent the economic losses and public health hazard associated with the cystic echinococcosis. The findings of the current study imply that cystic echinococcosis is highly prevalent and incurs huge financial losses through condemnation of infected internal organs in sheep and goats slaughtered in Jimma. Further epidemiological studies on the comparative importance of intermediate host species, definitive hosts, genotype of strains from different host species, and zoonotic and economic significance of cystic echinococcosis are urgently needed in different parts of Ethiopia.