Phenotypic Traits of Echinococcus Granulosus Parasite Isolated from Cattle and Goats in AL-Diwaniya City, Iraq

Hydatid cyst is the larval stage of Echinococcus granulosus and is found in tissues of the intermediate host and other structures. It has a spherical or semi-spherical shape and takes the shape of the affected organ, and its size varies with age.

Seven samples of hydatid cysts were collected from the liver and lungs of infected animals, 5 samples from cows and 2 samples from goats. The incidence of liver injury was 57.1%, compared to the lungs, which accounted for 42.9%. The colors of the inner layers of hydatid cysts were studied in both cows and goats. Three colors were found: white with 14.2%, yellow and yellowish-white with 42.9% for each. The lengths of the large hooks (LH) were also studied, which were 26.9 ± 0.585 for goats and 25.9 ± 0.555 for cows.