Hydatid Cysts Of Echinococcus Granulosus Research Articles

Giant non-parasitic splenic cyst: a case report

BackgroundSplenic cysts are quite rare and asymptomatic. They may result from infection by a parasite, especially Echinococcus granulosus (hydatid cyst), or from non-parasitic causes. Since primary splenic cysts are not common, simple cysts can be misdiagnosed with a hydatid cyst in endemic areas.Case presentationWe reported a 14-year-old Iranian girl initially presented with a vague abdominal pain, which progressed to left shoulder pain, fullness, early satiety, and shortness of breath and remained undiagnosed for 7 months despite seeking medical attention. Finally, imaging revealed a massive splenic cyst measuring 220 mm × 150 mm × 160 mm raising concern for a hydatid cyst due to regional endemicity. Consequently, the patient underwent total splenectomy. However, histopathological examination surprisingly revealed a simple non-parasitic cyst.ConclusionsDetecting rare simple spleen cysts requires early ultrasonography (US) and careful reassessment of diagnoses for non-responsive or worsening symptoms. Distinguishing them from splenic hydatidosis, especially in endemic areas, demands thorough paraclinical evaluations and patient history regarding potential parasitic exposure. While total splenectomy is the primary treatment for these huge cysts, the optimal surgical approach should be tailored case by case. These insights emphasize a comprehensive diagnostic approach to enhance accuracy and optimize patient care for these uncommon cysts.

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); ...

The mouse model of chronic asthma: Airway remodelling and disease exacerbation by somatic antigen of Echinococcus granulosus.

There is now sufficient evidence to support an inverse association between helminth infection and secreted products with allergic/autoimmune disorders. Accordingly, several experimental studies have shown that Echinococcus granulosus infection and hydatid cyst compounds are able to suppress immune responses in allergic airway inflammation. This is the first study on effects of somatic antigens of E. granulosus on chronic allergic airway inflammation in BALB/c mice. Mice in OVA group were intraperitoneally (IP) sensitized with OVA/Alum. Subsequently, were challenged by nebulizing of OVA 1%. The treatment groups received somatic antigens of protoscoleces on the specified days. Mice in PBS group were received PBS in both sensitization and challenge. The effects of somatic products on development of chronic allergic airway inflammation were evaluated by examining histopathological changes, the recruitment of inflammatory cells in the bronchoalveolar lavage, cytokines production in the homogenized lung tissue, and total antioxidant capacity in serum. Our findings show that the co-administration of somatic antigens of protoscoleces simultaneously with the development of asthma intensifies allergic airway inflammation. The identification of effective components involved in exacerbation of allergic airway inflammation manifestations will be a crucial approach to understanding the mechanism of these interactions.

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In the present survey 18 species of endo and ecto-parasites were recorded during the examination of 50 Mus musculus (Linnaeus, 1758) among 10 localities in Erbil city, of which 7 species were protozoan and as follows : Chilomastix bettencourti (da Fonseca 1915)82%; Giardia muris (Filice, 1952) 68%; Tritrichomonas muris (Grassi,1879)36%; Entamoeba histolytica (Schaudinn,1903) 24%; Entamoeba coli (Grassi,1879)32%; Eimeria sp. 28% and Trypanosoma musculi (Kendall,1906) 2%; and 8 species were helminthes as follows: 4 Cestodes: Rodentolepis nana (von Siebold, 1852) 8%; Hymenolepis diminuta (Rudolphi, 1819)2%; larval stage of Echinococcus granulosus (Batsch, 1786)8%, Cysticercus fasciolaris (Rudolphi, 1808)6%, 4 Nematodes: Aspiculuris tetraptera (Nitzsch, 1821)8%; Syphacia obvelata (Rudolphi, 1802)36%; Syphacia muris (Yamaguti, 1935)2% and Trichuris muris (Schrank, 1788)10%; and 3 species of ectoparasites were diagnosed as follows: the Oriental rat flea Xenopsylla cheopis (Rothschild, 1903)2.0%, the spined rat louse Polyplax spinulosa (Burmeister, 1839)16.0%, and the mite Laelaps nuttalli (Hirst, 1916)4.0%. Endo-multiple infections had been noticed, as single (26%); double 50.0%; triple (22.0%) and tetra infections 2.0%. No significant differences were found between the sexes and weights of mice. The mice of Hayaskary and Langa were high infected with parasites. In the current study, we recorded the infection of the liver of Mus musculus with larval stage of Echinococcus granulosus (hydatid cyst) as the first natural infection in Iraq.

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.

Histopathological Changes in the Liver and Spleen of Albino Mouse, Mus musculus Linnaeus, 1758 Experimentally Infected with the Hydatid Cyst of Echinococcus granulosus (Batsch, 1786) and Its Treatments with Oxfendazole

The present study was conducted as an attempt to chemically treat secondary hydatid cyst disease in the Albino mouse Mus musculus strain Balb/c. Oxfendazole (OFZ) was used at a concentration of 30 mg/kg, and the histopathological changes in the liver and spleen were examined. The efficiency of the drug was observed compared to the positive untreated control group. However, some histopathological changes were noticed in liver and spleen of the OFZ-treated mice.

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.

Effect of Echinococcus granulosus hydatid cyst fluid protein on allergic rhinitis induced by ovalbumin in mice

To investigate the protective effect of Echinococcus granulosus hydatid cyst fluid protein (HCFP) on ovalbumin (OVA)-induced allergic rhinitis (AR) in mice. Twenty-four BALB/c mice at ages of 8 to 10 weeks, each weighing approximately 20 g, were randomly divided into four groups, including groups A (blank control group), B (blank intervention group), C (AR model group) and D (AR+HCFP intervention group), with 6 mice in each group. On days 0, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10 and 12, mice in groups A, B, C and D were injected with 200 μL sterile phosphate buffered saline (PBS), 200 μL sterile PBS containing 20 μg HCFP, 200 μL sterile PBS containing 50 μg OVA and 5 mg Al(OH)3 gel, and 200 μL sterile PBS containing 50 μg OVA, 5 mg Al(OH)3 gel and 20 μg HCFP, respectively. On days 14 to 20, mice in groups A, B, C and D were administered with 40 μL sterile PBS, 40 μL sterile PBS containing 20 μg HCFP, 40 μL sterile PBS containing 2 mg OVA and 40 μL sterile PBS containing 2 mg OVA and 20 μL HCFP by nasal drop, respectively. Mouse behavioral changes were observed and behavioral scores were estimated. The serum levels of interferon-γ (IFN-γ), interleukin-4 (IL-4), IL-5, IL-10, transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) and OVA-specific IgE antibody (OVA-sIgE) were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and the pathological changes of mouse nasal mucosa were observed by hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining. The mean behavioral score was significantly greater in Group C (6.83 ± 0.50) than in groups A (1.17 ± 0.52) and B (1.33 ± 0.52) (P < 0.05), while a lower mean behavioral score was estimated in Group D (3.50 ± 0.50) than in Group C (P < 0.05). There were significant differences among the groups in terms of serum IFN-γ (F = 4.08, P < 0.05), IL-4 (F = 275.90, P < 0.05), IL-5 (F = 96.82, P < 0.05), IL-10 (F = 77.67, P < 0.05), TGF-β (F = 9.98, P < 0.05) and OVA-sIgE levels (F = 44.69, P < 0.05). The serum IFN-γ level was significantly lower in Group C than in groups A, B and C (P < 0.05), and the serum levels of IL-4, IL-5 and OVA-sIgE were significantly higher in Group C than in groups A, B and C (P < 0.05), while the serum IL-10 and TGF-β levels were significantly greater in Group D than in Group C (P < 0.05). Microscopy showed apparent loss of nasal mucosa cilia, increased number and enlargement of goblet cells, interstitial edema and submucous vascular dilation in Group C, while the pathological changes of nasal mucosa were alleviated in Group D relative to Group C. E. granulosus HCFP has a protective activity against OVA-induced allergic rhinitis in mice.

Exacerbation of allergic asthma by somatic antigen of Echinococcus granulosus in allergic airway inflammation in BALB/c mice

BackgroundThere is ample evidence demonstrating a reverse relationship between helminth infection and immune-mediated diseases. Accordingly, several studies have shown that Echinococcus granulosus infection and hydatid cyst compounds are able to suppress immune responses in allergic airway inflammation. Previous studies have documented the ability of hydatid cysts to suppress aberrant Th2 immune response in a mouse model of allergic asthma. However, there is a paucity of research on the effects of protoscoleces on allergic asthma. Thus, this study was designed to evaluate the effects of somatic antigens of protoscoleces in a murine model of allergic airway inflammation.MethodsOvalbumin (OVA)/aluminum hydroxide (alum) was injected intraperitoneally to sensitize BALB/c mice over a period of 0 to 7 days, followed by challenge with 1% OVA. The treatment group received somatic antigens of protoscoleces emulsified with PBS on these days in each sensitization before being challenged with 1% OVA on days 14, 15, and 16. The effects of somatic antigens of protoscoleces on allergic airway inflammation were evaluated by examining histopathological changes, the recruitment of inflammatory cells in the bronchoalveolar lavage, cytokine production in the homogenized lung tissue (IL-4, IL-5, IL-10, IL-17, and IFN-γ), and total antioxidant capacity in serum.ResultsOverall, administration of somatic antigens of protoscoleces exacerbated allergic airway inflammation via increased Th2 cytokine levels in the lung homogenate, recruitment of eosinophils into bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, and pathological changes. In addition, total antioxidant capacity and IFN-γ levels declined following the administration of somatic antigens.ConclusionsThe results revealed that the co-administration of somatic products of protoscoleces with OVA/alum contributed to the exacerbation of allergic airway inflammation in BALB/c mice. Currently, the main cause of allergic-type inflammation exacerbation is unknown, and further research is needed to understand the mechanism of these interactions.Graphical

Assessment of the Therapeutic Efficacy of Silver Nanoparticles against Secondary Cystic Echinococcosis in BALB/c Mice

Background: Cystic echinococcosis (CE) is a highly prevalent parasitic disease resulting from the hydatid cyst of Echinococcus granulosus. It is also described as a zoonotic disease and considered a neglected tropical infection. Aim: This study assessed the antiparasitic activity of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), against E. granulosus infection in BALB/c mice. Methods: The green synthesis of AgNPs was accomplished using Zizyphus spina-christi leaves. AgNPs were orally administered to BALB/c mice for acute short-term toxicity evaluation, in doses of 50 mg, 100 mg, 200 mg, and 300 mg/kg, and observations for toxic signs were carried out at 24, 48 h, and 14 days, continuously. Moreover, a total of 20 mice divided into two groups were intraperitoneally administered with 1500 viable protoscoleces for secondary hydatidosis infection. Results: The results showed that AgNPs did not induce any adverse effects or signs and no death, in either group of mice. The histopathological findings in the liver, kidneys, and intestine of the mice administered with AgNPs revealed mild histological effects compared with the control ones. The treated-infected mice showed a change in the appearance of the liver hydatid cysts from hyaline to milky cloudy compared with the untreated infected mice. Conclusion: Biosynthesized AgNPs showed anti-hydatic effects and are suggested as anti-echinococcal cyst treatment.

An epidemiological study of hydatid cyst of Echinococcus granulosus isolated from sheep, goats and cattle in Sulaimani province, Kurdistan Regional-Iraq.

Cystic echinococcosis (CE) is a parasitic zoonosis caused by the larval stage of Echinococcus granulosus sensu lato with medical importance and economic effect. This study was carried out in Sulaimani province, Kurdistan Region, Iraq from October 2020 to November 2021. The study focused on the prevalence of cystic echinococcosis in slaughtered animals. The total prevalence was 8% (1324/16524), with a high rate in sheep (5.3%) and low rates in goats and cattle (1.9% and 0.76%, respectively). With respect to abattoirs involved in the study, the highest prevalence was detected in Kalar abattoir (16.8%) and the lowest in Sulaimani abattoir (4.4%). Among the infected animals, sheep in Kalar abattoir recorded the highest prevalence, while cattle in Sulaimani abattoir recorded the lowest prevalence (11.7% and 0.4%, respectively). Males of sheep, cattle, and female goats showed higher prevalence (66.7%, 76.2%, and 58.6%, respectively). Regarding organ involvements, males of cattle and sheep showed high liver involvement (81.25% and 72.2%, respectively), while females of goat showed the highest liver involvement (76%). Females of cattle and sheep showed high lung involvement (46.7% and 28.5%, respectively), but the males of goats showed the highest lung involvement (53.8%).

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 &amp; 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.

Apendicitis aguda por hidatidosis apendicular: reporte de caso y revisión de la literatura

La apendicitis aguda es considerada la causa más común de emergencia quirúrgica en adultos jóvenes; y su asociación con infecciones parasitarias es rara. De éstas, la localización apendicular del quiste hidatídico, es extremadamente rara; y hasta la fecha solo existen reportes en Irán, India, Túnez, Chile y Perú. Se presenta el caso de un paciente varón de 52 años, natural de Puno, sin antecedentes patológicos, que ingresa con un cuadro clínico típico de apendicitis aguda, y que, al ser intervenido quirúrgicamente, se aprecia al apéndice con una tumoración quística, compatible con un quiste hidatídico complicado de Echinococcus granulosus. Posteriormente, se constatan otros tres quistes hidatídicos intrabdominales. No existió antecedente quirúrgico o traumático, por lo que se considera una localización primaria intraabdominal diseminada, queincluía al apéndice, hígado y peritoneo.

Evaluation of Oxidative Stress and Antioxidants in Iraqi Patients with Hydatid Disease

Antioxidants and oxidative stress status are clinically important in the detection of many diseases. In order to estimate the role of oxidative stress in hydatid disease pathogenesis, the antioxidant levels and oxidative stress status were examined in the patients of hydatid cysts. Thirty patients having active hydatid cyst of Echinococcus granulosus, previously diagnosed by X-ray, were adopted as patients’ group. Additionally, 25 healthy individuals who did not have hydatid infection or any other parasitic infection constituted the control group. Antioxidant status and oxidative stress levels were determined using biochemical tests including plasma Malondialdehyde (MDA) level, and erythrocyte Catalase (CAT), Glutathione Peroxidase (GSH Px), Superoxide Dismutase (SOD), Glutathione-S-Transferase (GST) activity, in addition to erythrocyte Glutathione concentration GSH-conc. The statistical evaluation of plasma MDA levels showed significantly higher levels in hydatid patients than in healthy controls, while erythrocyte SOD, GSH-Px, CAT, GST and GSH levels were significantly declined in hydatid patients compared to the control which can be used as diagnostic markers in the laboratory diagnosis of the disease. To conclude, hydatid patients show elevated oxidative stress status, and therefore, the antioxidant therapy should be considered in addition to the routine medicines in this group of patients.

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.

Extracellular vesicles derived from Echinococcus granulosus hydatid cyst fluid from patients: isolation, characterization and evaluation of immunomodulatory functions on T cells

Cystic echinococcosis is a chronic and complex zoonotic disease. The mechanisms underlying the parasite’s establishment, growth and persistence are not completely understood, and are thought be modulated by a crosstalk through extracellular vesicles. Here, EVs were isolated from the hydatid cyst fluid of patients with cystic echinococcosis and protoscolex culture supernatant. Proteomic analysis of these EVs revealed several parasite- and human-derived proteins. Very few studies have performed proteomic analysis of EVs isolated from HCF and PCS. Our proteomic analysis of the EVs derived from HCF and PCS facilitated identification of 1175 proteins, wherein 1026 and 38 proteins were exclusively identified in the EVs derived from HCF (HCF-EVs) and PCS (PCS-EVs), respectively, and 111 proteins were shared in both. The results of co-culture of PCS-EVs with murine peripheral blood mononuclear cells showed that PCS-EVs significantly regulated T lymphocyte functions in a dose-dependent manner. Collectively, our results provide valuable information on parasite survival strategies and new insights into the role of these EVs in the establishment and persistence of hydatid cysts.

Cardiac hydatidosis : A rare infection of the heart with hydatid cyst of Echinococcus granulosus can produced anaemia

Rarely , heart was infected with hydatid cyst of E. granulosus , where the current study were recorded only one infection of heart with hydatid cyst among 225 male of mice experimentally infected with hydatid cyst leading to produced anaemia. Histological examination of hydatid cyst components was explained presence of three layers include fibrous layer, laminated layer, and germinal layer or endocyst. So there is a granulomatous fibrous tissue in the pericardium.

Echinococcus granulosus hydatid cyst location is modified by Fasciola hepatica infection in cattle

BackgroundNatural parasite infection occurs in wild and domestics animals with more than one parasite species at the same time, generating an infection called polyparasitism. Cystic echinococcosis reports are usually based only on infection with Echinoccocus granulosus leaving aside other internal parasitoses that could modulate both the immune response and pathogenesis of the natural infection. Fasciola hepatica is another cosmopolitan parasite in ruminants with a similar distribution to E. granulosus in different parts of the world, but no information of the effect of co-infection with E. granulosus has been described. The aims of this report were to establish E. granulosus prevalence and explore the association of F. hepatica co-infection and natural E. granulosus infections in cattle.ResultsFrom 1725 animals, the prevalence of E. granulosus and F. hepatica was 21.16 and 51.3%, respectively. Considering both infections, older cattle (> 4 years) presented higher prevalence compared to younger animals. In E. granulosus-infected cattle, 5.21% had fertile cysts, 71.78% infertile cysts, and in 23.01% cysts were smaller than 1 cm in diameter. Considering cyst location, 39.72% had lungs cysts, 24.72% had liver cysts and 36.94% had cysts in both organs. Cyst location significantly differed between age groups: 44.68% of younger animals had cysts only in the lungs, while older animals presented hydatid cyst in the lungs and liver simultaneously (44.15%). With E. granulosus infection alone, 30.26% of cysts were found in the lungs, 31.79% in the liver and 37.95% in both organs. Regarding the co-infection of E. granulosus with F. hepatica, the proportion was significantly different (P < 0.05) with most animals having cysts only in the lungs (49.41%) and a lower level of liver infection (15.88%). Analyzing organ cyst distribution and F. hepatica absence/presence ratio within each cyst type, small cysts showed the highest difference in ratio.ConclusionsTo the best of our knowledge, this is the first report indicating that F. hepatica co-infection in cattle could be affecting the instate of hydatid cysts in the liver, displacing toward lung localization, suggesting an antagonistic relationship.

Establishing infection with Echinococcus granulosus hydatid cyst From Bovine origin in dogs

Establishing infection with Echinococcus granulosus had often created a challenge where by the actual role of the different Intermediate hosts could not be precisely determined. This study was consequently planned to examine the efficiency of cattle as intermediate hosts in the transmission of E. granulosus to canine final hosts. A modified procedure was followed where dogs were fed whole viable hydatid cysts as compared to viable protoscoleces obtained from hydatid sand mixed with meat. Successful transmission was attained as indicated by the presence of ova at faecal examination and adult worm recovery at post – mortem examination. The pre-patent period ranged between 30 – 42 days. It was apparent that the non capsulated protoscoleces were defected to the extend that they could not develop to maturity in the dog’s viscera. This modification needs to be applied to verify the efficiency of different intermediate hosts in the transmission cycle of Echinococcosis.

A 53 KDa Glycan Antigen of Hydatid Cyst Wall May Involve in Evasion from Host Immune System

Background:Recent studies have shown that similar host glycan antigens are expressed by helminths such as Echinococcus granulosus hydatid cysts to evade from host immune system. In this work to investigate these antigens further, immunological cross-reactivity between human sera and hydatid cyst wall antigens has been investigated.Materials and Methods:Hydatid cyst wall antigens were used in enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and Western immunoblotting and probed with pooled sera of hydatidosis patients and healthy controls. Sodium metaperiodate treatment was used to investigate glycan antigens.Results:A band with molecular weight about 53 KDa reacted with both hydatid patients' sera and also normal human sera. It has been shown that this band was a glycan antigen.Conclusions:A 53 KDa glycan antigen of hydatid cyst wall that reacted with all human sera may have an important role for evasion from host immune system.