Comparative studies on hydatidosis in farm animals in Egypt

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Parasitology
• Zoonotic Diseases
• Food Safety

Background:

• Hydatid disease, caused by Echinococcus granulosus, poses a significant public health concern.
• Understanding its prevalence and characteristics in slaughtered animals is crucial for control strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the frequency and investigate the pathological features of hydatid disease in various livestock species in Cairo.
• To analyze the cyst wall composition and organ predilection in infected animals.

Main Methods:

• Slaughtered animals (camels, sheep, pigs, cows, buffaloes) in Cairo abattoir were surveyed for hydatidosis.
• Cyst characteristics, including wall thickness, organ distribution, and parasitic membrane composition, were examined.
• Histochemical staining (von Kossa, alcian blue) was used to analyze cyst components.

Main Results:

• Prevalence rates varied: camels (31.0%), pigs (4.62%), sheep (1.33%), cows and buffaloes (0.0%).
• Lungs were primary sites in camels and pigs; liver in sheep.
• Cyst wall thickness differed by host and location. Camel cysts showed lipid-rich germinal layers and calcareous bodies. Sheep cysts often had non-fertile membranes. Pig cysts contained significant fat droplets.

Conclusions:

• Hydatid disease presents a notable prevalence in camels and pigs in Cairo.
• Variations in cyst morphology and composition across species highlight host-parasite interactions.
• Findings underscore the importance of abattoir surveillance for monitoring and managing hydatidosis in livestock.