Histopathological changes associated with E. granulosus echinococcosis in food producing animals in Punjab (India)

Histologic, histochemical, and immunohistochemical changes in buffalo liver with cystic echinococcosis

The present study aimed to evaluate the histologic, histochemical, and immunohistochemical changes in buffalo livers with cystic echinococcosis. Noninfected and infected livers were collected from the freshly slaughtered buffalo at the Aligarh abattoir. Small pieces of both infected and noninfected livers (n = 5) were cut and processed for histologic and histochemical studies. Immunohistochemistry was performed using rabbit anti-CD3, CD19, and CD117 antibodies. The results revealed the presence of brood capsules and germinal and laminated membranes surrounded by a fibrous adventitial layer, followed by moderate and diffused infiltration of eosinophils, monocytes, neutrophils, lymphocytes, and marked focal infiltration of mast cells. The infected livers also had mild dilation of central veins and sinusoids, mild and focal necrosis of hepatic tissue, and congestion of central and portal veins. Periodic acid-Schiff reaction revealed marked glycogen depletion in the infected liver. Masson's trichrome stain showed marked deposition of collagen fibers in the portal area, adventitial layer, and between the hepatocytes compared with the noninfected liver, where deposition was found only in the portal area. The T-cell response was more pronounced than the B-cell response in infected liver. Thus, it can be concluded that hydatid cyst infection causes several pathological and biochemical changes and increased infiltration of inflammatory cells in the infected livers, suggesting the involvement of nonspecific immune responses against hydatid cysts. The T-cell response was more pronounced than B-cells, indicating the involvement of cell-mediated immunity against cystic echinococcosis. These findings may help to understand the local immune responses to cystic echinococcosis.

Evaluating zoonotic metacestodes: gross and histopathological alterations of beef in north-west Ethiopia one health approach for meat inspection and animal management

Zoonotic metacestodes present a significant threat to both veterinary and public health. Specifically, the prevalence of metacestodes is often concentrated among consumers of raw meat and underdeveloped countries. The objective of this study was to estimate the prevalence of condemned red offal and examine the gross and histopathology features of zoonotic metacestodes. A cross-sectional study was conducted from November 2022 to July 2023 at the Bahir Dar municipal abattoir. A simple random sampling method employed in the abattoir survey to investigate pathological changes of offal and its rate of condemnation. Following a gross inspection of the red offal, representative tissue samples collected and preserved in 10% neutral buffered formalin. Subsequently, the size and number of cysts determined, and their viability and fertility evaluated. Hematoxylin and eosin staining utilized to analyze various lesions with microscope. A total of 340 cattle examined and 7.5% red offal condemned due to hydatid cysts 4.12% in the lungs, 3% in the liver, 0.6% in the kidneys, and 0.9% in other organs. Red offal condemned due to Cysticercus bovis 0.6% in the liver and 0.3% in the tongue. A statistically significance relationship was found between lung rejection due to hydatidosis (p < 0.05), body condition score, and origin of the animal. Among the detected calcified cysts, 83.34% of C. bovis and 47.62% of hydatid cysts. Histopathological examination revealed hydatid cysts and their oncospheres within the portal circulation, as well as necrotized, calcified daughter cysts observed on Bowman's capsule. The alveoli and bronchiole parenchyma compressed with pressure of protoscolices and it infiltrated by eosinophils. The cyst wall is attached to the thick hepatic capsule of the liver, with the hepatic parenchyma displaying islands of irregular hepatocytes. Cysticercus bovis detected in the deteriorated and necrotized muscle bundles, along with granulomatous lesions characterized by infiltration of mononuclear cells. Gross and histological examinations is invaluable tool for diagnosing hydatidosis and cysticercosis, providing well-organized baseline data to enhance our understanding the burden of zoonotic metacestodes.

Histopathological and immunological study of rats liver hydatid cysts isolated from human, sheep, goat and cows

In endemic places, liver hydatidosis is a life-threatening health issue. Many consequences such as hepatomegaly, infiltration with inflammatory cells and histopathological changes might arise as a result of liver hydatidosis. This study aimed to look into pathogenic changes in the livers of the rats that experimentally infected with hydatid cysts. These hydatid cysts were isolated from naturally infected humans, sheep, goats and cows. Liver hydatid cysts were collected from the main abattoir of Al-Muthanna province while human hydatid cysts were collected from Al-Hussein Teaching Hospital in Al-Muthanna province. The hydatid cysts were grossly and histology examined for inspection of hydatid cysts. The in vivo experiments were done by injection of hydatid protoscoleces or sand (fluid) in rats intraperitoneally. The results showed that the gross signs were same in all infected livers which range from paleness, hepatomegaly, hemorrhage and calcification. The hydatid cysts isolated from sheep and goat livers were highly fertile compared to others isolated from humans and cows. Injection of hydatid protoscoleces and hydatid fluid isolated from sheep and goat livers in rats induced the highest immune response compared to that isolated from humans and cows. The liver sections of rats that were injected with human, goat and sheep hydatid protoscoleces and fluids showed hyperplasia in the bile duct, aggregation nonnuclear cells with congested blood vessels. While liver sections of rats were received goat hydatid fluid, cow hydatid protoscoleces and hydatid fluid showed normal liver tissue. These findings suggested that the immunogenicity of hydatid materials is different according to the host and the component of hydatid cysts.

Histological Changes and Ghrelin, P-Selectin, and Leptin Parameter in Patients with Hepatic Hydatidosis in Iraq

Humans and animals are affected by hydatid cyst disease as a worldwide zoonotic disease, which is caused by the metacestode stage of Echinococcus spp. This study was performed to evaluate the histological change of liver and blood concentrations of biomarkers, such as ghrelin, p-selectin, and leptin, in humans infected with hydatid cyst. A total of 30 surgical specimens of liver and blood of infected humans and 30 healthy individuals as a control group were evaluated. Liver tissue sections in cases infected with hydatid cyst and control group, histological abnormalities in the liver, including fibrosis, increased inflammatory cells, dystrophic areas, and necrosis were compared in this study. In addition, serum leptin levels were significantly lower in patients with hydatid cyst disease QUOTE <0.05) than in the control group (P-value<0.05), whereas p-selectin and ghrelin levels significantly decreased in patients (P-value<0.05). The results of this research can be effective in improving and promoting the treatment programs of hydatidosis.

Epidemiological and histomorphic studies in sheep infected with hydatid cyst in Taif area

Hydatidosis is a zoonotic disease caused by Echinococcus granulosus larvae, which affects sheep worldwide, especially in rural communities. This study aims to determine the prevalence and structure of hydatid cyst in sheep. A total number of 1,198 sheep in different age groups G1 (<1 year), G2 (1–2 years) and G3 (>2 years) were slaughtered at Taif abattoirs, then examined for the presence of hydatid cysts in lung, liver, and mesentery. Prevalence of hydatid cyst infection in imported sheep (13.0%) was higher than of local sheep (10.2%). Particularly, as per gender, prevalence of imported females (71.9%) was higher than those of local females (28.1%), while that of imported males (66.3%) was higher than those of local males (33.7%). Large sizes of hydatid cysts and fertility recorded in G3 were higher in both local and imported sheep than those of G1 and G2. Morphometric analysis of pathological lesions in liver of all infected sheep showed a significant increase compared to non-infected healthy sheep (have no lesions) (P < 0.001). In addition, for all infected sheep, histochemical investigation with Masson’s trichrome stain showed collagen fibers inside the hydatid cyst capsules and in pericystic region. The collagen fibers content and the cellular laminated membranes took the green color, while immunohistochemical evaluation detected a positive reaction for CD3.

Histological and immunological insights to hydatid disease in camels

PURPOSE

To investigate the immuno-histological evidences in viable and non-viable hydatid cysts obtained from naturally infected camels.

METHODS

A cohort study (February 2018-December 2019), a total of 15 hydatidosis-infected camels from slaughter houses in Cairo were involved. Specimens were investigated for parasite viability, liver histological changes, IL-17A cytokine immunohistochemical expressions in the adventitial layer, and the anti-nuclear antibodies (ANAs) immunofluorescent expression in the metacestode's structures. Real-Time Quantitative -Morphocytometry and SPSS were utilized.

RESULTS

Multi-focal lesions and high viability were found in 60% of the cases. Overall accumulation of collagen associated the parasite establishment that involved infiltrations of mononuclear cells with significantly increased IL-17A expression. Interestingly, the ANAs appeared to have a role in the immune-defense against the metacestode showing different patterns. ANAs production correlated with IL-17A expression and the viability of the parasite.

CONCLUSION

IL-17A responses in hydatidosis is associated with collagen deposition and ANA production as a sort of anti-parasite immunity in a viability dependent manner.

Phylogenetics and Pathology of Hydatid Disease in Slaughtered Buffaloes of North India

PURPOSE

Hydatid disease is one of the neglected and challenging (for diagnosis as well as for treatment) parasitic diseases. Along with adverse effect on animal's health leading to production losses, hydatidosis is also associated with huge economic losses. The present study was envisaged with an aim to assess the phylogeny and pathological changes due to natural hydatid cysts in lungs and liver of slaughtered buffaloes in north India.

METHODS

A total of 137 slaughtered buffaloes intended for human consumption were screened for the presence of cysts. The retrieved cysts were confirmed molecularly based on the amplification of mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase 1 gene (mtCO1), exhibiting a product size of approximately 446 bp. The samples collected from infected lungs and liver were subjected to histopathological examination.

RESULTS

The hydatid cysts were recorded in 25 (18.2%) animals. Phylogenetic analysis revealed the isolated strain to be closely related to Echinococcus granulosus sensu stricto (G1) genotype. The nucleotide diversity (π) obtained was 0.014685, whereas, Tajima's D was negative (- 2.796053), which indicated purifying selection or recent population expansion. Histopathologically, in the infected lungs, fibrosis and inflammatory reaction comprising of mononuclear cells and fibroblasts around the thick coat of granulation tissue were observed. Marked calcified masses and necrosis were also observed in the calcified cysts. However, in case of infected livers, Kupffer cell hyperplasia, degeneration of hepatocytes, fibrosis and inflammatory cells were most commonly observed around the hydatid cysts.

CONCLUSION

The findings of the present study are of significant veterinary and medical importance owing to economic and public health impact of G1 genotype of E. granulosus.

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

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

Cell-mediated and humoral immune profile to hydatidosis among naturally infected farm animals

Background and Aim

Cystic echinococcosis (CE) is a widespread parasitic disease caused by Echinococcus granulosus tapeworm infect different intermediate hosts including sheep, cattle, and camels. The intermediate host's immune response to the hydatid cyst is still conflict and complex. The current study was designed to evaluate the immune response in sera of hydatid naturally infected sheep, cattle, and camels in the form of features of inflammatory cell infiltrations, levels of Th1 and Th2 cytokines, besides the humoral specific immunoglobulin G (IgG) responses.

Materials and Methods

Thirty-nine sheep, 74 cattle, and 79 camels' sera were collected and considered as CE naturally infected and ten samples from each species were graded as non-infected. Lung specimens were collected for histopathological examination. The quantitative concentrations of tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin (IL)-6, IL-4, and IL-10 were determined. Different antigens were prepared from hydatid cyst; hydatid cyst fluid of lung origin hydatid cyst fluid of liver origin, hydatid cyst protoscoleces of lung origin (HCP-g), hydatid cyst protoscoleces of liver origin, hydatid cyst germinal layer of lung origin, and hydatid cyst germinal layer of liver origin; and characterized by gel electrophoresis and Western blotting analysis. The total specific IgG level against E. granulosus infection was measured using an indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

Results

The results indicated that the cellular immune response in the infected tissues was characterized by inflammatory cell penetration. The pro-inflammatory Th1 cytokine profile was predominant in infected animals in comparison with non-infected ones. However, the humoral immune response was seen as a high level of IgG in infected animals. The presented data approved that the HCP-g antigen could be considered as a delegate antigen for all other prepared antigens with an immunoreactive band at molecular weights 32 kDa.

Conclusion

This study provides a fundamental insight into the events that manipulate cellular and humoral immune profiles in an intermediate host; sheep, cattle, and camel that naturally infected with CE. Hence, it was concluded that CE is a constant disease and confirm the reactivity Th1 in combating hydatid cyst. Besides, it could lead to the activation of the humoral immune response in the form of a high level of IgG.

Molecular and Morphological Characterization of Cysticercus tenuicollis in Red Deer (Cervus elaphus) from Turkey

INTRODUCTION

Cysticercus tenuicollis, the metacestode stage of Taenia hydatigena has a worldwide distribution and is particularly common in rural areas and developing countries. In rare cases, T. hydatigena infection may result in the death of its host due to severe damage or secondary bacterial infections. Generally, when multiple cysts are attached to the liver, it causes economic losses. The infection can be detected using morphological, histopathological and more recently, molecular investigations.

METHODS

In the present study, we describe molecular and morphological characterization of C. tenuicollis detected in a 3 month-old female red deer (Cervus elaphus) during necropsy. Cystic samples were stained with haematoxylin-eosin (HE) and Masson's trichrome stain for histopathological examination, and molecular characterization of the complete mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (cox1) gene region was performed.

PURPOSE

This study provides the first morphological, histopathological, and molecular data on C. tenuicollis isolated from red deer in Turkey.

Hydatidosis in slaughtered sheep and goats in India: prevalence, genotypic characterization and pathological studies

The present study determined the prevalence of hydatid cysts in different organs of slaughtered hilly ‘Gaddi’ breed small ruminants—sheep (n = 230) and goats (n = 197)—in Kangra Valley of the north-western Himalayas, India. Hydatid cysts were found in 12.2% (n = 28) of sheep and 10.7% (n = 21) of goats. Pulmonary echinococcosis was more prevalent in slaughtered sheep and goats (sheep 56.36%; goats 62.90%) than hepatic echinococcosis (sheep 43.64%; goats 37.10%). Fertility rates were higher in hepatic (81.25%) and pulmonary cysts of sheep (83.87%) compared to goats. Molecular identification and genotypic characterization of Echinococcus granulosus isolates were based on mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase 1 gene (mtCO1). The genotypic characterization identified the isolated strain to be closely related to the G7 genotype. Histopathological examination revealed a thick coat of granulation tissue, causing fibrosis and inflammatory reaction composed of fibroblasts and mononuclear cells around the cysts. In the liver, hepato-cellular degeneration was prominent at the periphery of the cysts. The present study highlights the molecular confirmation and phylogenetic analysis of E. granulosus isolates with the prevalence of hydatidosis in a naïve host species and in an unexplored region. The findings are of significant medical and veterinary importance regarding development of control measures to check dissemination of hydatidosis.

Gross and histopathological alterations associated with cystic echinococcosis in small ruminants

Hydatidosis, an important parasitic zoonoses is a major public health as well as economic concern throughout the world. A total of 2100, sheep (2052) and goats (48), slaughtered or spontaneously dead, from various areas of Kashmir valley were screened for the presence of hydatidosis. Out of 2100 cases, 85 were positive for hydatidosis. The frequently infected organs were lungs and liver. The liver was observed to be the most frequently infected organ with relative prevalence of 61.17% followed by lungs (38.82%). The pulmonary cysts were more fertile (55%) compared to hepatic cysts (45%). Histopathologicallly, the cyst wall consisted of the inner germinal, middle lamellated/laminated, and outer fibrous layer. Inflammatory reaction around the cyst was variable and was characterized by an inner zone of loosely arranged fibroblasts infiltrated with mononuclear cells, followed by densely arranged fibroblasts along with mononuclear cells; and an outer layer of fibrous connective tissue. Fibroplasia and calcification were noted at places. In liver besides the cellular reaction against the expanding cyst, hepatocellular degeneration and cirrhosis were observed, the severity of which was inversely related to the distance from the cyst. The structural details of the protoscolices were clearly discernable.