Sheep Hydatid Cyst Research Articles

Seroepidemiological Study of Hydatid Cyst Using AgB by ELISA in Patients Admitted to Central Laboratory of Baqiyatallah Hospital

Background: One of the most important parasitic diseases in human is cystic echinococcosis (CE) which is caused by the larval stage of Echinococcus granulosus. The disease is a health problem in the Middle East countries such as Iran. Objective: The aim of this study was seroepidemiological evaluation of human CE using antigen B by ELISA technique in patients referred to Baqiyatallah Hospital, Tehran, Iran. Materials and Methods: A total of 909 serum samples were randomly prepared in the central laboratory. Antigen B was extracted from sheep hydatid cyst fluid (HCF). All serum samples were evaluated by indirect ELISA and the suspected cases were rechecked. Demographic characteristics were collected by a questionnaire and cut-off was calculated as X±2SD. Results: In the present study, 0.8% of the collected samples were seropositive by ELISA technique. Of the 909 participants, 498 (with 1% positive response) and 411 (with 0.49% positive response) were female and male, respectively. The majority of the cases were the employee and retired military personnel (with 1.05% positive response). The most frequent age ranges were 50-59 and 70-79 with 28.57% positive response in each and in participants with academic education (85.72%). There was no statistically significant association between hydatid cyst and variables evaluated in this study. Conclusion: Our results showed a low seroprevalence of human CE. It may be related to the lifestyle of people following the improvement in public health specially in urban communities.

Study the Rate of Hydatid Cysts, Liver Fluke, Pneumonia and Hepatitis in Al- Najaf Slaughter House, Al-Najaf, Iraq

The study was conducted from first of December 2015 till end of November 2016. Animal slaughters were examined macroscopically to determine the parasitic infection(Hydatid Cyst, Fascioliasis, Lung worms)and another cases of Pneumonia and Hepatitis. The animals which were slaughtered during this study was 94106 Sheep, 23131 Cattle, and 5235 Buffaloes. The Percentages of Hydatid cysts in Sheep was 1.04 % and Liver fluke 0.56%, pneumonia 0.29% and hepatitis was 0.34 % with increase the rate in winter 1.33%, 0.87%, 0.54%, and 0.53% respectively while Lung worms 0.73 % increase the percentage in Autumn 0.71%. In Cattle, the percentage of Hydatid Cysts 1.59%, Liver Fluke 0.71%, Lungworm 0.13%, with increase the rate in Autumn 5.11%, 2.56%, 0.73% respectively, Hepatitis 0.34% , the highest percentage was in summer 0.32% and pneumonia the highest percentage was in spring 0.56%. The rate of Hydatid In Buffaloes 1.03%, Fiver Flukes 0.61 %, with increase the incidence in winter 1.93%, while Lung worms 0.15%, pneumonia 0.31%, hepatitis was 0.14% the highest was in spring 0.25%, 0.41% and 0.49% respectively.

English

Echinococcosis in Livestock Slaughtered in Arak Industrial Abattoir in Central Iran During 2006 to 2012. Ghasemikhah R1, Shahdoust M2, Sarmadian H3, Rezaei M4, Ghorbanzadeh B1, Gorji A5, Zare-Bidaki M6. Author information • 1Department of Parasitology and mycology, Arak University of Medical Sciences, Arak, Iran. • 2Department of Biostatistics and epidemiology, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran. • 3Department of Infectious Diseases, Arak University of Medical Sciences, Arak, Iran. • 4Department of Food Safety and Hygiene, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. • 5Veterinary directorate general of Markazi province, Arak, Iran. • 6Immunology of Infectious Diseases Research Center, Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences, Rafsanjan, Iran, e-mail: m.zare@rums.ac.ir. Abstract Objective: Echinococcosis or hydatid cyst in humans and livestock is resulted from the larval stage of dog tapeworm, Echinococcus granulosus. Although Iran is considered as an endemic focus of echinococcosis in the world, however, the status of three well-known aspects of the infection, ie canids, livestock and humans populations, is not still completely elucidated in Arak city, the capital of the Markazi province. This study aimed to elucidate the livestock infection in the region. Methods: In this descriptive cross-sectional study, after necessary coordination with the provincial administration of Iranian Veterinary Organization, totally 860 171 livestock slaughtered in industrial slaughterhouse of Arak city, including 364 682 sheep, 117 495 cattle and 377 994 goats were investigated during 2006 to 2012. The collected data were statistically analysed using SPSS software. Results: The average prevalence of liver and lung infection in studied livestock was 1.94% and 3.24%, respectively. Sheep and goats have the highest and lowest prevalence of both liver and lung infection, respectively. Prevalence of hydatid cyst in goats and sheep, not cattle, in various years of the study period showed a statistically significant difference. Conclusion: Our results revealed a lower infection rate of hydatid cysts in the livestock of this region compared to the country average and many other Iranian provinces. Moreover, the study may imply an active local transmission cycle of echinococcosis.

Cystic echinococcosis in Poland: genetic variability and the first record of Echinococcus granulosus sensu stricto (G1 genotype) in the country

Cystic echinococcosis is one of the most important zoonotic diseases affecting humans and livestock worldwide, and is endemic in Poland. A set of six isolates on larval stages of Echinococcus granulosus sensu lato tapeworms collected from three humans, two pigs and one sheep from Polish foci of CE was examined by DNA sequencing of two mitochondrial genes (cox1, rrnS). The results demonstrated the presence of E. canadensis and E. granulosus sensu stricto in the investigated hydatid cysts. The former species was found in all five isolates from pigs and humans derived from central Poland. In a sheep hydatid cyst originating from Lesser Poland Voivodeship in southern Poland, E. granulosus s. s. (G1 genotype) was identified. This is the first report of an unambiguously autochthonous infection with E. granulosus s. s. in Poland. The global distribution and host affiliations of the commonly occurring G1 microvariant with nucleotide change 56C/T in cox1, detected here in Polish sheep, are discussed. The finding that sheep harboured E. granulosus s. s. may have important consequences for developing effective hydatid control programmes in Poland due to its longer maturation rate in dogs compared with E. canadensis G7. This may lead to greater expenditures for purchasing anthelmintics to provide an appropriate dosing regime in sheep-raising areas of the country.

BALB/c Mice Immunity to Hydatidosis Induced by In-vitro Reared Echinococcus granulosus Adult Worm Antigens.

Echinococcosis is a zoonotic parasitic disease caused by the larval stage of Echinococcus granulosus. Several native and recombinant antigens, derived from different stages of E. granulosus life cycle, have been used for vaccine trials. In vitro reared adult worms are good candidates for vaccination as they do not produce fertile egg/s and do not have any risk of contamination for researchers. To evaluate different antigens derived from in vitro reared E. granulosus adult worms for the immunization of BALB/c mice against secondary hydatidosis. Viable protoscoleces (PCSs) of sheep hydatid cyst were cultivated in S.10E.H media. Excretory secretory (E/S) and crude antigens were prepared from reared adult worms. A total of fifty BALB/c mice, each 8-weeks-old, were divided into 5 groups of 10 mice. Three groups were subcutaneously immunized with crude, E/S and immunodominant antigens on days 1 and 28. The fourth group received only PBS and the fifth group had no injection. Three weeks following the second immunization, all groups were challenged, intraperitoneal, with viable PSCs. After the autopsy of the mice and opening their abdominal wall, cysts were counted and measured followed by histopathological observations. The highest protective immunity (98.7%) against hydatidosis was induced by crude antigen, followed by E/S and immunodominant antigens. Antigens (crude antigens in particular) derived from in vitro reared E. granulosus adult worms, and their different protein components are suitable candidates for the vaccination of intermediate hosts against hydatidosis.

Scolicidal Effects of Gallic Acid, One of the Major Compounds of Plants, on Protoscolices of Hydatid Cyst

Background: Today’s, the recurrent of hydatidosis remain as a concern in many surgeries. Exposure of a suitable effective scolicidal agent with protoscolex-rich fluid can prevent these complications. In recent studies more have been considered to importance of natural products particularly herbal medcines to evaluate their scolicidal effects. Gallic acid a type of organic acid is one of the main known effective biological phenolic substances of plants. Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of Gallic acid on protoscolices of hydatid cysts in in vitro. Methods: In this experimental study, the protoscolices were obtained from liver hydatid cysts of infected sheep. Gallic acid solution was used at the concentration of 25, 30 and 35 mg/mL for 1, 3, and 5 minutes. The live protoscolices were detected by 0.1% eosin dye. Data analysis was performed by SPSS version 11.5 and one-way ANOVA test. Results: The Gallic acid at the concentration of 25 mg/mL disabled 35.65%, 52.21% and 65.38% of protoscolices after 1, 3 and 5 min of faced time together, respectively. Also, the scolicidal rate of Gallic acid at concentration of 30 mg/mL was 29.92%, 63.80% and 67.76% after 1, 3 and 5 min, respectively. It was observed that concentration of 35 mg/mL Gallic acid on protoscolices caused 92.08% and 100% mortality rate of parasites after 1 and 3 minutes, respectively (compared with 9.9% in control groups). Conclusions: The findings of present study showed that Gallic acid as an effective constituent of some herbal scolicidal agent can be considered as responsible for killing of protoscolices. However, further studies will be needed to confirm this phytochemicals active component in animal models.

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.

Prevalence and Histopathological Studies on Hydatidosis among Sheep Carcasses at Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia

The study was carried out to determine the prevalence of hydatidosis among the sheep carcasses at Al-Ahsa region, Saudi Arabia. The study included also histopathological tissue evaluation. The results of the present study showed that the prevalence of hydatidosis among sheep carcasses was 6.60 % (98/1485); meanwhile among the native sheep breed was 7.70 %, and 5.8 % among the imported ones. Concerning the effect of age, the prevalence of hydatidosis increased significantly (p≤ 0.0001) in old aged sheep. On the other hand, the prevalence in liver, lung, heart and muscles was 66.3%, 23.4%, 7.1% and 3.0%, respectively. Regarding the cyst state in sheep, the percentages of viable, non-viable, sterile and calcified one were 24.4 %, 12.2 %, 7.14 % and 56.1 %, respectively. Meanwhile, results of histopathological examination had shown that most of hydatid cysts in sheep were fertile

Seroprevalence of cystic echinococcosis in blood donors in Fars province, southern Iran

Cystic echinococcosis (CE) is one of the most important zoonotic diseases in different geographical areas of the world including Iran. The current study aimed to assess the seroprevalence of human cystic echinococcosis (CE) in healthy blood donors in Fars province, southern Iran. A total of 1068 serum samples were collected from blood donors from five blood service centers of Fars province in south of Iran. Antigen B was prepared from sheep hydatid cyst fluid and collected sera were evaluated for anti-hydatid cyst antibodies, using antigen-B ELISA. Demographic features of the participants were also recorded during the sample collection. Anti hydatid cyst antibodies were detected in sera of 60 out of 1068 blood donors corresponding to overall seroprevalence of 5.6% in this population. Rate of seroprevalence was 6.7% in females and 5.5% in males. The highest rate of infection (8.3%) was found in age group of higher than 50years old. There were no significant differences between seropositivity to CE and sex, age or place of residence of the participants (P>0.05). Findings of this study showed that the rate of CE infection in Fars province, southern Iran, is relatively high. Some of these seropositive cases may have active hydatid cyst in their tissues without overt sign or symptoms.

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.

In Vitro Effects of Artemether, Artemisinine, Albendazole, and Their Combinations on Echinococcus granolosus Protoscoleces

Background: Hydatidosis caused by Echinococcus granulosusus remains an important parasitic disease, mainly in the Mediterranean region, in human and veterinary medicine. Many protoscolicidal agents have been used to treat it, but most of them are not safe and effective due to their undesirable side effects. Objectives: The aim of the present work was to evaluate the in vitro efficacy of the antihelminths artemether, artemisinine, albendazole, and drug combinations against Echinococcus granulosusus protoscoleces. Materials and Methods: Echinococcus granulosus protoscoleces were aseptically removed from liver hydatid cysts in sheep. Drugs were used at the following final concentrations: 1, 2.5, 5, 10, 25, 50, 100, and 200 μg/mL for 15 days. The viability of protoscoleces was confirmed by Eosine 0.1%. Results: In this case, the protoscolicidal effect of artemether and its combinations was significantly (P < 0.05) higher than other groups; the maximum protoscolicidal effect was found with 200 μg/mL of artemether after 4 days whereas albendazole killed protoscoleces on the 7th day post-incubation. Surprisingly, the incubation of protoscoleces with artemisinine exhibited promising results, as only artemisinine was more effective against evaginated protoscoleces on the 9th day. The maximum effect of two drugs combined belonged to artemether and artemisinine. Conclusions: The obtained outcome demonstrated the desirable effect of artemether against Echinococcus granulosus protoscoleces. With regard to artemisinine’s astonishing results, it seems that artemisinine can be a striking drug for tissue and metacestode forms of hydatidosis in human and animal models. However, further investigations into the in vivo experiments are proposed.

Immunological diagnosis of human hydatid cyst using Western immunoblotting technique.

Background:Echinococcosis is a parasitic disease with worldwide distribution which is caused by the tapeworms Echinococcus granulosus. Diagnosis of the disease relies on imaging techniques, but the techniques are not able to differentiate the cyst from benign or malignant tumors; hence, appropriate serologic methods are required for the differential diagnosis of the infection.Materials and Methods:In this investigation, different sheep hydatid cyst antigens probed with thirty sera of patients with hydatid cyst and also thirty human normal sera using Western immunoblotting technique. Considering results of surgery as gold standard, sensitivity and specificity of Western blotting was estimated.Results:Sera of 29, 26, and 16 patients with hydatid cyst reacted with specific bands of hydatid cyst fluid (HCF), protoscolex crude antigen, and cyst wall crude antigen, respectively. However, none of the normal human sera reacted with those specific bands.Conclusion:A 20 kDa band of sheep HCF is an appropriate antigen for serodiagnosis of hydatid cyst infection.

Detection of specific IgG, IgM, IgE and IgG subclass antibodies for serological diagnosis of human cystic echinococcosis

Summary An enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), based on sheep hydatid cyst fluid antigen was used for the detection of specific antibodies of IgG, IgM, IgE and IgG subclass in the serum samples of 62 clinically and radiologically diagnosed cystic echinococcosis (CE) patients, 8 clinically suspected cases of CE, 25 other parasitic disease controls and 25 healthy controls. The diagnostic sensitivity in the clinically and radiologically suggestive cases (n = 62) for IgG antibody detection was highest (93 %), followed by IgE, IgG4, IgG1, IgG2, IgM and IgG3 with 89 %, 87 %, 85 %, 76 %, 70 % and 55 % respectively. The detection of specific IgE, IgG1 and IgG4 antibody showed the higher diagnostic sensitivity and specificity to the extent that they can be safely used as better substitute to IgG. Even though, the diagnostic sensitivity of IgG was highest (93%) but was less specific (88 %) due to the frequent non-specific reactions in the sera of patients with other parasitic infections and healthy controls. None of the sera samples from healthy controls gave non-specific reaction with IgE, IgG1 and IgG4 and there was a considerably reduced cross-reaction with these antibodies. The most discriminatory and specific antibodies found in this study belonged to IgE, IgG1 and IgG4; therefore, these antibodies may serve as useful diagnostic markers for CE.

Concomitant occurrence of oxidative stress and hydatid cyst in sheep, goat and cow naturally infected

This study was conducted aiming at knowing the pathological changes that are concomitant with natural infection of hydatidosis in sheep, goat and cattle, in addition to estimate, if infection has relations with oxidative stress via estimation of the total antioxidants and oxidants in hydatid fluid. Results of the present study elucidate the presence of chronic histopathological lesions represented by hemorrhage and vascular changes, hepatic programmed cell death, portal fibrosis, infiltration of inflammatory cells around hydatid cysts in addition to necrosis, collection of hydatid fluid from 25 samples (each one) for estimation of total Antioxidants and total oxidants in hydatid fluid. Results showed total antioxidants level in fertile cysts higher than in sterile cysts, and there was no significant variation in total oxidants of fertile and sterile cysts.

Echinococcus equinus and Echinococcus granulosus sensu stricto from the United Kingdom: genetic diversity and haplotypic variation

Cystic echinococcosis is endemic in Europe including the United Kingdom. However, information on the molecular epidemiology of Echinococcus spp. from the United Kingdom is limited. Echinococcus isolates from intermediate and definitive animal hosts as well as from human cystic echinococcosis cases were analysed to determine species and genotypes within these hosts. Echinococcus equinus was identified from horse hydatid isolates, cysts retrieved from captive UK mammals and copro-DNA of foxhounds and farm dogs. Echinococcus granulosus sensu stricto (s.s.) was identified from hydatid cysts of sheep and cattle as well as in DNA extracted from farm dog and foxhound faecal samples, and from four human cystic echinococcosis isolates, including the first known molecular confirmation of E. granulosus s.s. infection in a Welsh sheep farmer. Low genetic variability for E. equinus from various hosts and from different geographical locations was detected using the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 gene (cox1), indicating the presence of a dominant haplotype (EQUK01). In contrast, greater haplotypic variation was observed for E. granulosus s.s. cox1 sequences. The haplotype network showed a star-shaped network with a centrally placed main haplotype (EgUK01) that had been reported from other world regions.

Molecular characterization and sequence analysis of Echinococcus granulosus from sheep isolates in East Azerbaijan province, northwest of Iran.

Echinococcus granulosus as an etiologic agent of hydatid cyst is one of the most important zoonotic helminthes in the world that causing enormous economic and health losses. The aim of this study was to evaluate genotype of E. granulosus isolated from sheep using mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (cox1) gene and sequencing method in East Azerbaijan province, northwest of Iran. Nineteen sheep hydatid cyst samples were collected. Genomic DNA was extracted from protoscoleces using commercial DNA extraction kit. Mitochondrial cox1 region was amplified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and all isolates were sequenced. Afterward, sequences were analyzed for determination of genotypes by related software. G1 (94.73%) and G3 (5.27%) genotypes were identified from the isolates which out of 19 hydatid cysts, 17 samples were G1B, 1 sample G1D and the other one had G3 genotype. Results of this study indicate that common sheep strain (G1); especially G1B is the dominant subtype of E. granulosus in East Azerbaijan province.

Hydatidosis of cattle and sheep, its economic importance and &lt;i&gt;Echinococcus granulosus&lt;/i&gt; among stray dogs in South Wollo, Ethiopia

In this crossectional survey the prevalence, fertility, size of hydatid cyst in cattle and sheep, economic losses due to hydatidosis in cattle, and prevalence of Echinococcus granulosu s in dogs were studied in South Wollo, Ethiopia. for the purpose Each animal carcass was inspected carefully, hydatid cysts of each organ were counted, measured and examined microscopically to determine the fertility and determination of infection of Echinococcus granulosus in the dog involved in the study was done by standard post-mortem procedure. Of the total of 312 cattle and 197 sheep examined 56 (17.95%) and 15(7.61%) were found to be infected with hydatid cysts respectively. The prevalence in cattle tended to be high, though the difference was not statistically significant (P> 0.05, X 2 =1.006). Lung was found to be the most commonly affected organ in case of cattle, liver in case of sheep with a value of 66.25%and 82.36% respectively. Spleen and heart were found to be less commonly affected organs in cattle and lung in case of sheep, cysts were not observed in the kidney in both species. Studies on the condition of the cysts revealed that medium sized cysts predominate in case of cattle with an abundance rate of 54.9%, followed by small cysts (40.8%) and large cysts (4.3%). All of the cysts found in sheep were small and majority of them showed calcification. Cyst fertility rates were 36.2% and 45.5% in lung and livers respectively (z = 0.46, P = 0.643). Out of 10 stray dogs euthanized and examined at necropsy 2(20%) were found to be infected with adult E.granulosus with a mean worm burden of 30. An annual loss of 464,900 Eth.birr was estimated to be caused by bovine hydatidosis from organ condemnation and carcass weight losses. In conclusion this zoonotic cestode need deserve due attention in order to safe guard the public and reduce the economic losses in animals, thus relevant control measures pertinent to the prevailing socioeconomic factors in the area were recommended. Keywords : Cattle, Echinococcus granulosus , Ethiopia, Hydatidosis, Prevalence, Sheep

Evaluation of ultrasonography as a diagnostic tool for hepatic hydatid cysts in sheep

This retrospective study was designed to evaluate the use of ultrasonography for the diagnosis of hepatic hydatid cysts. This study was conducted on 22 sheep, which were classified into 2 groups according to their liver health group (healthy liver = 13 and cystic liver = 9). Biochemically, serum concentrations of gamma-glutamyl transferase, aspartate aminotransferase, total bilirubin, and globulins were significantly increased (P < 0.01) while albumin was lowered (P < 0.01) in sheep with cystic livers. Ultrasonographically, rounded, anechoic, and unilocular hydatid cysts with elliptical circumferences ranging from 6 to 10 cm were seen. The interiors of cysts contained echogenic particulate materials, septations, or fine echoes. At the 10th intercostal space (ICS), ventral margin, size, thickness, and angle of livers increased in sheep with hepatic cysts, while the diameter of portal vein decreased in sheep with liver cysts. At the 9th ICS, the circumference of the gall bladder was lowered in sheep with hepatic cysts (P < 0.01). The sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values of ultrasonography for diagnosis of hepatic hydatid cysts were 80%, 100%, and 100% and 83%, respectively. In conclusion, ultrasonography alone or in combination with some biochemical parameters reflecting liver function could be helpful for the diagnosis of hepatic hydatid cysts in sheep.

Prevalence and characterization of hydatidosis in animals slaughtered at Al Taif abattoir, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Hydatidosis is a zoonotic disease caused by the larval stage of Echinococcus granulosus, hydatidosis an important helminthzoonosis affecting sheep in the world. Hydatidosis is a wellknown disease in third world countries, especially in rural communities where humans live in close contact with domestic animals and dogs. Dogs act as intermediate hosts. The Al Taif city is about 90 kilometers away from mecca the holy city. In each year, millions of sheep and goats are slaughtered during the pilgrimage season. It is very important to assess the prevalence of hydatidosis since it can be transmitted through dogs which act as definitive hosts for the parasite. This study aims to determine the prevalence of hydatidosis and the fertility/sterility rates of hydatid cysts in sheep and goats slaughtered in Taif Abattoir, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. In this study, 1098 sheep and 296 goats were examined; 162 (13.5%) sheep and 18 (6.1%) goats were found harboring hydatid cysts. In goats 6% were harboring hydaated cyst, and 76% of the goat were of local origin. Differences in prevalence rates were highly significant (p

Ultrasonographic features of the liver with cystic echinococcosis in sheep.

ObjectivesThe present study was designed to gain information about the ultrasonographic features of livers with cystic echinococcosis, as well as to evaluate the use of ultrasonography for diagnosis of such disease in sheep.DesignThis was a retrospective study during the period April 2011 to March 2013.ParticipantsA total of 22 Baladi sheep (aged three to six years) were included in this study. Based on clear hepatic ultrasonographic findings, all animals were classified into two groups: those with hepatic cysts (n=9) and without liver cysts (healthy liver, n=13).ResultsBiochemically, serum concentrations of γ-glutamyl transferase, aspartate aminotransferase, total bilirubin and globulins were significantly increased (P<0.01), while albumin was lowered (P<0.01) in sheep with cystic livers. Ultrasonographic findings of diseased sheep livers revealed the presence of rounded, anechoic and unilocular hydatid cysts with ellipse circumference ranged from 6–10 cm. The borders of cysts were mostly well defined. The interior of cysts contained echogenic particulate materials, septations, or fine echoes. At the 10th intercostal space, the ventral margin, size, thickness and angle of livers were higher (P<0.01), while the diameter of portal vein was lower (P<0.01) in sheep with liver cysts than control ones. Furthermore, at the 9th intercostal space, the circumference of the gall bladder was decreased in sheep with hepatic cysts (P<0.01). The sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values of ultrasonography for diagnosis of hepatic hydatid cysts were 80 per cent and 100 per cent, and 100 per cent and 83 per cent, respectively.ConclusionsCystic echinococcosis is associated with a number of anatomical alterations in the liver tissues that can be easily recognised by ultrasound. Furthermore, ultrasonography alone or in combination with analysis of biochemical parameters reflecting liver function could be helpful for diagnosis of hepatic hydatid cysts in sheep.