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.