SEM of the Hydatid Cyst of Echinococcus Granulosus

The infection of cattle with the larval stage of Echinococcus granulosus in the State of Kuwait has been reported by several investigators. Both fertile and infertile cysts were present in the infected animals. Previous study revealed an infection rate of 40.2% in 881 Somalian cattle and 32.5% in 43 native cattle. The home slaughtered sheep appeared to play an important role in the dissemination of the parasite and the life of Echinococcus granulosus in the State of Kuwait was assumed to be sheep - dog - sheep. The fine structure of the hydatid cyst and protoscolex of Echinococcus granulosus has been studied by light and transmission electron microscopy. The three dimensional surface features of the hydatid cyst germinative membrane and the brood capsules have not been reported. The purpose of this study was to determine the three dimensional surface topographic features of the germinative membrane of the cyst and the brood capsule.