In vitro effects of vinegar on protoscolices of hydatid cyst

ObjectiveTo determine the effect of apple vinegar and balsamic vinegar on protoscolices of hydatid cyst. In this study, different concentrations of vinegar were tested at different exposure times.MethodsLiver hydatid cysts of naturally infected sheep were obtained from Arak abattoir. Protoscolices were aspirated from cyst and were transferred into a dark container and stored at 4 °C for further use. Eight concentrations of vinegars (1%, 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 50% and 100% v/v) were used for 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 10, 15, 20, 30, 40, 50 and 60 min. The viability of the protoscolices was confirmed by 0.1% eosin staining test under a light microscope.ResultsThe scolicidal activity of apple and balsamic vinegar in concentration of ≥50% was 100%. The scolicidal activity of vinegar was dose dependent and also time dependent. Therefore, by increasing the exposure time as well as increasing the concentration of vinegar, the mortality rate increased.ConclusionsThe results of our study show that vinegar has scolicidal activity and its activity is related to the concentration and exposure time.