Immunity response of mice infected with laser irradiated protoscoleces of Echinococcus granulosus

The present study investigated the effect of the Neodymium- Doped Yttrium Aluminum Garnet (Nd: Y3AL5G12) Laser eradiation 1000 mw, against infection with secondary hydatid disease in BALB/c mice by inoculating the animals with protoscoleces of <em>Echinococcus granulosus</em> exposed to laser irradiation, for various periods 40,60,120 and 240 minutes, with viability of 70%,57%,50% and 40%, respectively, contrasted to the control set (mice inoculated with unexposed protoscoleces) along three months, depending on the evaluation of the total count of WBCs and assessment of acquired cell- mediated immunity, demonstrated by delayed type hypersensitivity test (DTH)<strong>.</strong><br /> The results showed considerable increase (p<0.01) in the total WBCs counting, in mice injected with irradiated protoscoleces, up to 13962 cell/cm³, in comparison to the control group 5420 cell/cm³, after 120 minutes, two months post infection. Moreover, there was considerable excess (p<0.01) in the foot pad thickness in treated mice, 2.94 mm after 120 minute (24hour post antigen injection), two months post infection, 2.86mm after 120 minutes (24 hours post antigen injection), 1 month post infection and 2.64 mm, 120 minutes (24 hours post antigen injection), three months post infection, compared with the control group 1.18mm, 1.80mm and 1.72mm, respectively.<br /> Results revealed that irradiation of <em>Echinococcus granulosus</em> protoscoleces with laser had a significant influence on the production of WBCs and stimulation of delayed-type hypersensitivity reaction in mice.