Immunohistochemical changes in CD-2 expression in different organs of rats treated with nuclear particles versus hydatidosis.

Hydatidosis, a zoonotic disease caused by Echinococcus granulosus larvae, is a significant health problem due to cysts localization and drug resistance. Novel approaches such as nuclear particles ,alpha particles, may reduce parasite viability and enhance host immunity. This study evaluated the effects of nuclear particles irradiation on protoscoleces isolated from hydatid cysts and its impact on histopathological changes and CD2 expression in the liver, spleen, and intestine of experimentally infected rats aiming of using it as a treatment against hydatid disease. Protoscoleces were isolated from sheep livers and irradiated with nuclear particles at energy (3.3MeV) for either 1-hour or 1.5-hours. Thirty-six male rats were divided into six groups and injected intraperitoneally with irradiated or non-irradiated protoscoleces (groups 1 & 2 protoscoleces irradiated for 1 hour, groups 3 & 4; protoscoleces irradiated for 1.5-hours, groups 5 & 6: protoscoleces non-irradiated). Rats were euthanized for four and five months. Histopathological examinations and CD2 immunohistochemical reactivity were performed to assess tissue integrity and T-cell responses. Rats receiving 1.5-hour irradiated protoscoleces exhibited significantly less histopathological damage in the spleen , intestines and liver with notably stronger CD2 expression (score 3+) at five months, indicating enhanced Natural Killer (NK) cells activation. Tissue architecture was better preserved compared to another groups suggesting a dose-dependent benefit. The present study concluded that nuclear particles irradiation function as a dual parasiticidal and immunomodulatory strategy which could inform future therapies for hydatidosis. Further studies measuring cytokines and other immune markers are recommended to clarify the underlying mechanisms for hydatidosis control.