The Lethal Effect of Low Voltage of Direct Electrical Current on the Hydatic Cyst Protoscoleces

Considering the importance of hydatid cyst and its pathophysiological effects on the human body, we attempt to propose a method for killing of hydatid cyst protoscoleces in vitro condition using low voltage direct electrical current.

After collecting hydatid cyst from infected organs of slaughtered animals, their protoscoleces were cultured in four separated media of hydatid consisting of uid, RPMI, normal saline and Tris buffer. The protoscoleces with the same media were transferred to an electrolysis device, and then various sets of electric current density were applied. For measuring the survival rate of protoscolcces, the same cells movement as well as Eosin staining were used as standard techniques.

Our findings indicated that the survival rate of protoscoleces in hydatid fluid was dependent on the electric current density and the time of the applied current. In this regard, the highest survival rate of 86.3% was observed when electric current density of 42.96 mA/cm2 was applied for one minute; while the survival rate of 0% was observed when an electric current density of 63.5 mA/cm2 was applied for one minute. In the RPMI, normal saline and Tris buffer media, similar results were obtained.

Low voltage of direct current can be used in destroying of protoscoleces during surgery on different body organs without any injury to host tissue and any relapse of the infection.