Sero- evaluation of cattle cystic echinococcosis using different antigens of hydatid cyst fluid, protoscolices, germinal and laminated layers

Cystic echinococcosis (CE), caused by Echinococcus granulosus, 
affects both humans and livestock. Final hosts (dogs) are typically 
subclinical, while intermediate hosts show symptoms based on cyst 
location and infection severity. CE is mainly detected in abattoirs via post
mortem (PM) examination, making diagnosis challenging and increasing 
transmission risk. The current study aimed to evaluate the serodiagnosis 
and statistical significance of using different prepared antigens from cysts 
against PM method. 170 blood samples were collected from cattle and the 
separated serum samples were prepared for detection of optical density 
values by indirect ELISA against different hydatid cysts antigens. The 
antigens were isolated from various cystic components. Crude hydatid cyst 
fluid antigen (HCF Ag) was prepared by aspirating fluid from fertile cyst 
separated from infected organs, centrifuged and aliquoted, laminated layer 
antigen (LL Ag) obtained by aspirating fluid, separating the laminated 
layer and homogenized, germinal layer antigen (GL Ag) was isolated 
through dissection, protoscolices antigen (Pscs Ag) collected, washed with 
PBS, and all isolates sonicated, and stored at -20°C. Protein concentration 
was measured using modified Lowry method. The obtained values were 
statically analyzed. PM prevalence was 11.76%. While ELISA showed 
13.5%, with higher prevalence in the liver (7.06%) than lungs (2.35%). 
Significant differences were noted between antigens, with GL, HCF, and 
Pscs Ags showing higher values than LL Ag. ELISA diagnostic accuracy 
was 98.24 % for LL, GL, and Pscs Ags, and 60% for HCF Ag. Our study 
suggests that GL, HCF, and Pscs Ags were effective and sensitive 
immunodiagnostic tools for screening hydatosis.