2025, Vol. 7, Issue 3, Part C

Author(s): Ibrahem A Abdulzahra

Abstract: Cystic echinococcosis, a prevalent zoonotic disease caused by the larval stage of E. granulosus, poses significant economic and public health challenges due to its predilection for the liver and lungs of various livestock, including sheep. Despite ongoing epidemiological studies, an in-depth exploration of the associated histopathological changes remains scarce. The present investigation sought to elucidate the microscopic lesions attributable to hydatid cysts in sheep. In this descriptive, cross-sectional necropsy study, a total of 100 ovine subjects were systematically inspected at a slaughterhouse. The study spanned an encompassing timeframe from August to October 2024. The overall prevalence of infections registered at approximately 31%. Thorough post-mortem examinations revealed a spectrum of cyst sizes, with the lungs and liver being the predominant infection sites. The cysts, which varied in diameter, were axenically filled with clear to slightly turbid, straw-colored, or brown liquids and were devoid of any protoscolices. All cysts were enveloped in fibrous capsule-membranes. Histopathological evaluations revealed significant immunological responses in the corresponding organs. Lung tissues exhibited extensive infiltration by lymphocytes and plasma cells, accompanied by pronounced interstitial edema, alveolar overdistention, and bronchiolar epithelial metaplasia. Similarly, liver tissues displayed a spectrum of lesions, including lobular disorganization, atrophy of hepatocyte cord, intralobular microabscesses due to neutrophilic infiltration, bile duct hyperplasia, portal mononuclear cell infiltration, sinusoidal dilatation, centrilobular hepatocyte hypertrophy, and dissemination of necrotic hepatocytes.

DOI: 10.22271/27069567.2025.v7.i3c.664

Pages: 163-167 | Views: 143 | Downloads: 21

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