Assessment of Alkaline Phosphatase Activity in Hydatid Cyst Protoscolices and Liver Tissue as a Pathological Biomarker

INTRODUCTION Echinococcus granulosus infection may be transmitted between humans and animals. Hydatid disease refers to an infection with the parasite larva in humans, and echinococcosis is restricted to infection with the adult stage in carnivorous animals [1]. Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) plays an important role in metabolism, physiology, immunology, and nutrients absorption of the cystic echinococcosis [2, 3]. ALP catalyzes the hydrolysis of phosphate monoesters in an alkaline environment [4]. Alkaline and acid phosphatase activities have shown to reduce during the progression of the disease [5]. Diagnosis of hydatid disease is made by a combination of imaging techniques, clinical signs, serological tests, cyst fluid examination, and molecular techniques [6].