Variabilities of hydatidosis in domestic animals slaughtered at Cairo and Giza abattoirs, Egypt

Abstract

Aim: The effect of some variables on hydatidosis in animals slaughtered at Cairo and Giza abattoirs was investigated and the influence on serum biochemical parameters, antioxidant enzymes, and histopathological lesions caused by these parasites as a consequence was estimated.

Materials and methods: The effect of some variables on hydatidosis in 397 sheep, 401 cattle, 435 buffaloes, and 341 camels slaughtered at Cairo and Giza abattoirs was investigated, and the influence on serum biochemical parameters, antioxidant activity and histopathological lesions caused by these parasites as a consequence was estimated.

Results: The results revealed that 39 sheep (9.8%), 74 cattle (18.4%), 95 buffaloes (21.8%), and 79 camels (23.25%) were infected. Concerning age variations, 165 young and 232 adult sheep, 215 young and 186 adult cattle, 194 young and 241 adult buffaloes, and 112 young and 229 adult camels were examined. The prevalence of hydatidosis was higher in adult sheep, cattle, and camel; 32 (13.8%), 49 (26.3%), and 56 (24.5%) than the younger ones 7 (4.2%), 25 (11.6%), and 23 (20.5%), respectively. Two hundred and eighty-eight sheep, 171 cattle were examined during winter. However, 109 sheep, 230 cattle were examined during summer. Hydatidosis infection in sheep and cattle was higher in winter 26 (9.01%) and 47 (27.5%) than in summer 13 (11.9%) and 27 (11.7%), respectively. Out of 133 sheep and 128 camels slaughtered in El-Basatin abattoirs, 36 (15.3) and 38 (29.7%) showed higher prevalence than that from El-Warak and El-Moneib abattoirs. Comparing with the non-infected groups, alkaline phosphatase activity decreased in hydatid-infected animals, while cholesterol and liver enzymes activities increased. Total lipid and triglyceride levels decreased in infected camels. Glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, and catalase decreased in hydatid-infected animals.

Conclusion: The disturbance in the biochemical parameters, liver enzymes, and the antioxidant activities was consistent with the pathological findings that indicated the risk of hydatidosis infection. Finally, this study clarified the variabilities of hydatidosis in Cairo and Giza abattoirs as a starting point for future studies in different regions in Egypt.

Keywords: abattoirs; antioxidant activity; hydatidosis; prevalence.

Figure-1

Gross pathological changes caused by hydatidosis; (a) multiple hydatid cysts. (b) Abscess all over the lung parenchyma. (c) Tumor-like fluid-filled cysts, surrounded by a fibrous wall. Hydatid lung cysts may be varied in diameter between 1 and 20 cm. Large cysts can shift the mediastinum causing atelectasis of adjacent parenchyma. (d) Palpated hydatid cyst in lung of infected cattle showing red hepatization indicating pneumonia. (e) Semi-calcified cysts with a hard wall surrounding cheese-like material in the lung of infected sheep. (f) Liver of sheep with hydatid cyst end to be located in the right lobe. Cyst size in the liver is variable between 1 mm and 5 mm in diameter.

Figure-2

Univariable species affecting hydatidosis (a) Univariable age affecting hydatidosis (b) χ² test; (p<0.05).

Figure-3

Univariable sex affecting hydatidosis (a) Univariable season affecting hydatidosis (b) Winter: From December 2016 to April 2017. Summer: From May to October 2017. χ² test; (p<0.05).

Figure-4

Univariable abattoirs affecting hydatidosis. χ² test; (p<0.05)

Figure-5

Lung of hydatidosis-infected camel showing: (a) Hydatid cyst wall in lung of camel showing fibrous layer (F) and inflammatory reaction (I), Bar=50 µm. (b) Thickening of interstitium with inflammatory cells with fertilization of alveolar epithelium (arrows), Bar=100 µm. (c) Presence of scolex (arrow) with necrotic debris (asterisk) inside the bronchiolar lumen, (Bar=50 µm). (d) Lung of sheep showing hydatid cyst wall. Fibrous layer (F), inflammatory reaction (I), and calcification (arrowhead). Hematoxylin and eosin (HE), Bar=100 µm (All HE).

Figure-6

Liver of hydatidosis-infected camel showing: (a) Necrosis of biliary epithelium (arrows) with the presence of necrotic debris inside the lumen (asterisk), Bar=50 µm. (b) Presence of numerous neutrophils inside the lumen of bile ductless (arrows), Bar=50 µm. Liver of hydatidosis-infected cattle showing: (c) Massive cirrhosis with atrophied hepatic parenchyma and presence of scolices in portal vein (black arrow) and central vein (blue arrow), Bar=100 µm. (d) Severe congestion (arrows), Bar=100 µm (All hematoxylin and eosin).