Investigating the Potential of Protoscolices for Cyst Formation under in vivo Microwave Radiation

Introduction: Hydatid cyst surgery leads to the cyst rupture and release of protoscolices. Following the results of the previous study showing that microwaves have the ability to deactivate protoscolices in vitro, this study aimed to investigate the effect of these microwaves on protoscolices in vivo. Methods: This experimental study was conducted on 24 mice. Hydatid cysts from sheep were collected from the slaughterhouse and protoscolices were removed. Twenty-four eppendorf tubes containing protoscolices were divided into 4 groups. The first group (control) was not placed in the experimental environment and was not exposed to radiation, the second and third groups (treatment) were exposed to microwave radiation for 40 and 60 seconds, respectively, and the fourth group (sham) was placed in the experimental environment without radiation. The content of each tube was injected to a mouse, observing the codes for working with animals. After 4 months, the mice were killed and the number and location of their cysts were examined. The data were analyzed by Kruskal-Wallis test at significance level of p<0.05. Results: The mortality rate of protoscolices in the treatment groups after microwave radiation was significantly higher than that in the control and sham groups (p<0.001). The total number of cysts formed in the mice in the treatment groups was lower than that in the control group, but the difference was not statistically significant (P>0.05). Conclusion: Repetitive microwaves not only affect the mortality rate of protoscolices, but also reduce the ability of them for producing cysts. Considering that exposure to microwaves is a non-invasive method, it can be used as an alternative method in treatment of hydatid cyst.