Hydatid disease is one of the most important helminthic diseases worldwide. Hydatid
cysts may be found anywhere in the body. The most effective treatment of hydatid cyst
is surgical operation. Spillage of live protoscolices during the operation is the
major cause of recurrence. Instillation of scolicidal agent into hydatid cyst is the
most commonly employed measure to prevent this complication. To date, many scolicidal
agents have been used for inactivation of the hydatid cyst content, however, most
common scolicidal agents may cause unacceptable side-effects, limiting their use.
In this study the scolicidal effect of warm water (45, 50, 55, and 60 °C) at different
exposure times (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 10, 12, and 15 min) is investigated. Protoscolices
were collected aseptically from sheep livers containing hydatid cyst. Viability of
protoscolices was determined by 0.1% eosin staining. Even though the highest scolicidal
activity of warm water at 45 °C was 40.4% at the end of 15 min, the best scolicidal
effect (100%) of warm water at 50, 55, and 60 °C was obtained after 5, 2, and 1 min,
respectively. The results of this in vitro study showed that warm water at 50-60 °C
can be regarded as an effective scolicidal agent. Warm water is commonly available,
easily prepared, and inexpensive. In vivo scolicidal activity of warm water and also
the possible side effects need further investigation.