Published online by Cambridge University Press: 05 June 2009
Inorganic elements as micronutricnts play a vital role in metabolism and in immune mechanisms (Ballerker & Prasad, 1983) and a significant role in the physiology of parasites. Their importance is shown by the harmful effects of mineral deficiencies in the host diet, particularly on gastro-intcstinal parasites (Von Brand, 1966). The presence of aluminium, cadmium, iron, manganese, nickel, sodium and tin has been shown in the corpuscles of Echinococcus granulosus which causes hydatid disease in man (Agosin, 1968). In this preliminary report, the quantities of trace elements in hydatid fluid from sheep and man are reported to show their possible importance as nutrients or as cofactors in the metabolism of the parasite.