Hepatic Capillaria hepatica (Bancroft, 1893) infection in cat (Felis catus)-histopathological findings and first report from Iran.

Capillaria hepatica (syn. Calodium hepaticum) is a globally distributed nematode with a high affinity to the liver of a wide range of mammalian hosts, including humans. Documented reports of the nematode in cats and associated histopathology are rare. Here, we describe a case of C. hepatica infection in a 5-year-old male stray cat from Iran. At post-car accident necropsy, all body parts appeared normal except for the liver, in which a few yellowish-white granulomatous nodules were observed through the capsule and in the organ. Histopathological examination of the tissue revealed a large number of clustered parasite eggs in the parenchyma. The barrel-shaped, un-embryonated eggs (55.19 × 28.37 µm), with inconspicuous caps at both ends, were covered with striated shells. The presence of ova in the liver tissue had resulted in the development of hepatic inflammation with hepatocellular necrosis associated with the development of multifocal granulomas. As predators of small rodents, the cats might have a significant role in the epidemiology of C. hepatica. Infection of hosts through ingestion of embryonated eggs in contaminated water, food, or soil is of major importance in the epidemiology of C. hepatica. Since the rare reports of feline infection have come mainly from accidental detection of the parasite, any hepatic disease presenting difficulties to find an etiological agent may virtually be associated with the infection with this little-known nematode.

Chronic whipworm infection exacerbates Schistosoma mansoni egg-induced hepatopathology in non-human primates.

BACKGROUND: Schistosomiasis continues to inflict significant morbidity and mortality in the tropical and subtropical regions of the world. The disease endemicity overlaps with the transmission of other parasitic diseases. Despite the ubiquity of polyparasitism in tropical regions, particularly in rural communities, little is known about the impact of multiple helminth infections on disease progression. In this pilot study, we describe the influence of chronic Trichuris trichiura infection on Schistosoma mansoni egg-induced hepatopathology in infected baboons. METHODS: Baboons with or without underlying whipworm infection were challenged with S. mansoni cercariae to establish schistosomiasis. Adult S. mansoni worms were recovered by perfusion and enumerated, hepatic granulomas were quantified via light microscopy, and transcriptional profiling of tissues were completed using RNA sequencing technologies. RESULTS: Co-infection with both S. mansoni and T. trichiura resulted in higher female schistosome worm burden and significantly larger liver granuloma sizes. Systems biology analyses of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) revealed pathways associated with increased liver damage in co-infected baboons. CONCLUSIONS: Underlying chronic whipworm infection intensified schistosome egg-induced liver pathology in infected baboons. RNA-Seq analysis provided insight into pathways associated with increased liver damage, corroborating histological findings.

Assessment of histological liver alterations in dogs naturally infected with Leishmania infantum.

BACKGROUND: The liver plays a central role in the development of canine visceral leishmaniasis. Studies of natural infection in animals and humans indicate a direct relationship between resolution of infection and the formation and maturation of granulomas in the liver. However, in contrast to other reports in the literature, the present study found no differences in the characteristics of hepatic granulomas that could be related to resistance or susceptibility to Leishmania. Here, we describe the hepatic alterations observed in dogs with differing clinical manifestations of visceral leishmaniasis in an endemic area in the state of Bahia, Brazil. METHODS: We examined 148 animals in an endemic area. The animals were clinically examined, and the infection was determined by ELISA, spleen aspirate culture and quantitative PCR. The animals were grouped into asymptomatic or symptomatic based on the number of signs of LV. The histological liver evaluation was performed in a blinded way. RESULTS: Our results indicated no association between the characteristics of granulomas and clinical presentation. We found an association between the intensity of this inflammatory response and parasite load in the animals' spleens. It is important to note that while hepatic alterations, such as portal and perivascular inflammation and the presence of larger amounts of granulomas, were linked with higher parasite loads, we found the inverse to be true with respect to intrasinusoidal lymphocytosis, the formation of intrasinusoidal inflammatory cell aggregates and Kupffer cell hypertrophy. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that the presence of mononuclear inflammatory cells inside the sinusoids is more important than that of organized granulomas in terms of the containment of parasitism by the host. We suggest that the presence of granulomas indicates the failure of a first line of defense mechanism in the control of parasite infection, which could be related to the presence of inflammatory cells and Kupffer cell hypertrophy inside the sinusoids. We further demonstrated that dogs with active Leishmania spp. infection present a higher frequency of inflammatory changes in the liver. In addition to being correlated with the severity of clinical manifestation, these hepatic alterations were also associated with changes in hematological and biochemical parameters.

In vitro anthelmintic effect of biologically synthesized silver nanoparticles on liver amphistome, Gigantocotyle explanatum.

In order to ensure global food security a rationale approach is required to control all those factors which directly or indirectly affect the food productivity. The neglected helminthic diseases alone are responsible for huge economic losses to the agrarian stakeholders. The problem is further compounded by the emerging drug resistance in flukes against the commonly used anthelmintics like triclabendazole. Therefore, the search for alternatives including the nano-based approaches has become a necessity to develop future control strategies. In the present study the effect of biologically synthesized silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) was investigated on an economically important amphistome parasite, Gigantocotyle explanatum, obtained from the infected liver of the Indian water buffaloes, Bubalus bubalis. In vitro treatment of the adult worms with different doses of AgNPs severely affected the worm motility and caused ROS mediated damages in the treated flukes. The antioxidant system and the detoxification ability of the worms appeared to be disrupted along with pronounced DNA damage in the treated worms as compared to the controls. Following the treatment of worms with different concentrations of AgNPs there was a significant (p < 0.05) increase in lipid peroxidation and protein carbonylation levels which are the key oxidative stress markers. The tegumental surface which is metabolically active, was severely damaged as evident from the loss of papillae, severe blebbing, shearing and erosion of the surface structures. Such topographical disruptions would facilitate the penetration of the nanoparticles deep within the tissues that might greatly reduce the invasive potential of the flukes as evident from the decreased motility. Taken together our findings suggest that the AgNPs posses great anthelmintic potential and could be further exploited for the development of anthelmintic formulations which may be tested in vivo.

Feline platynosomiasis: analysis of the association of infection levels with pathological and biochemical findings / Platinossomiase felina: análise da associação dos níveis de infecção com achados patológicos e bioquímicos

Abstract Platynosomiasis is a common feline hepatic disease caused by Platynosomum fastosum (Trematoda - Dicrocoelidae), which is also known as ‘lizard poisoning’. Most reports of feline platynosomiasis show that this disease is sporadic and manifests with uncommon lesions; its pathogenicity is still not well understood. This study aimed to describe liver injuries and enzymatic changes associated with natural P. fastosum infection in 47 stray cats in an endemic area. Overall, 38.3% (18/47) of cats were parasitized, and 2,358 flukes (P. fastosum) were collected (131 – mean intensity of parasitism; 50.2 – mean abundance). The alanine transaminase (ALT) measure was significantly higher in parasitized animals, while alkaline phosphatase (ALP) showed no statistical difference between parasitized and non-parasitized animals. In infected animals, gross pathological lesions and microscopic liver injuries ranged from mild to severe, and were similar to those in previous descriptions of feline platynosomiasis. Nonetheless, the intensity of parasitism was not related to the severity of macroscopic or microscopic hepatic injuries. However, feline platynosomiasis should be considered in the differential diagnosis of feline liver disorders, as well as, in any program of helminth control, even if no clinical abnormalities are present.

Resumo Platinossomiase é uma doença hepática felina comum causada por Platynosomum fastosum (Trematoda - Dicrocoelidae), também é conhecida como “envenenamento por lagartixa”. A maioria dos relatos de platinossomiase felina mostra que esta doença é esporádica e se manifesta com lesões incomuns; sua patogenicidade ainda não é bem compreendida. Este estudo objetivou descrever as lesões no fígado e alterações enzimáticas associadas à infecção natural por P. fastosum em 47 gatos errantes em uma área endêmica. No total, 38,3% (18/47) dos gatos estavam parasitados, e 2.358 trematódeos (P. fastosum) foram coletados (131 – intensidade média de parasitismo; 50,2 – abundância média). A quantidade de alanina transaminase (ALT) foi significativamente maior nos animais parasitados, enquanto a fosfatase alcalina (ALP) não apresentou diferença estatística entre os animais parasitados e não parasitados. Nos animais infectados, lesões patológicas macroscópicas e microscópicas hepáticas variaram de leve a grave, e foram semelhantes a descrições anteriores de platinossomiase felina. No entanto, a intensidade do parasitismo não foi relacionada à gravidade das lesões hepáticas macroscópicas ou microscópicas. Contudo, a platinossomiase felina deve ser considerada no diagnóstico diferencial de distúrbios hepáticos em felinos, assim como, em qualquer programa de controle de helmintos, mesmo que nenhuma anormalidade clínica esteja presente.

Prevalence of Platynosomum fastosum infection in free roaming cats in northeastern Brazil: Fluke burden and grading of lesions.

The objective of this paper was to investigate prevalence and parasite load of the trematode Platynosomum fastosum infection and the risk of developing cholangitis/cholangiohepatitis among infected domestic cats in a city of northeastern Brazil, and to characterize the influence of fluke burden in the formation of lesions in liver and gallbladder. A total of 141 cats was necropsied and examined for the presence of P. fastosum. The observed prevalence was 42.6% (60/141, 95% CI=34.2-50.9). Parasite load varied from 1 to 219 flukes per animal. Adult cats were more frequently infected than kittens (p<0.01). Risk of cholangitis was about three times higher in infected animals (RR=3.23, 95% CI=2.01-5.07, p<0.01). Centrolobular congestion, portal cholangitis and cholestasis was significantly more common in infected as compared to non-infected cats (p<0.01). Similarly, fibrosis, cholangitis and mucous gland hyperplasia were significantly more prevalent in the bile duct of infected animals (p<0.01). Mild fibrosis and cholecystitis were observed principally in infected cats. Hyperplastic precursor lesions of cholangiocarcinoma were observed, but no solid tumor was diagnosed. These results reveal high prevalence of P. fastosum in free roaming cats in northeastern Brazil, with increased risk of liver disease.

DIAGNOSIS AND THERAPY OF LIVER FLUKE (FASCIOLOIDES MAGNA) INFECTION IN FALLOW DEER (DAMA DAMA) IN SERBIA.

Giant liver fluke ( Fascioloides magna ) infection is an important health problem of cervids in southeastern Europe. We measured the prevalence and intensity of infection with F. magna in a fenced area near the Danube River in the South Backa District of Serbia. Parasitologic, pathomorphologic, and histopathologic examinations were conducted from November 2007 to February 2008, beginning with a population of 127 adult fallow deer ( Dama dama ). After a positive diagnosis, therapy with triclabendazole-medicated corn was applied. Deer were treated at four baiting stations, using medicated feed providing triclabendazole at an estimated dose of 10-14 mg/kg of body weight per deer. Treatment lasted for 7 d in early February 2008 and an additional 7 d 2 wk later. For the complete success of pharmacotherapy it was necessary to prevent any contact of deer with the snail intermediate host ( Galba truncatula ). Intervention in the habitat, removing grass and low vegetation, and draining ponds reduces the possibility of contact. Six months after the treatment, livers of hunted deer were reddish, with fibrous tracks; pigmentation and cysts in the parenchyma were surrounded by a fibrous capsule and their fecal samples contained no eggs of F. magna . Over the following years, livers of hunted deer were negative, and the last control cull in March 2015 confirmed complete absence of infection. We reconfirmed the presence of giant liver flukes in fallow deer in Serbia, apparently the result of natural spread across the Danube from Hungary and Croatia. We also report that the treatment of deer with triclabendazole-medicated corn is an effective method for administration of therapeutic doses of drug in semicaptive deer. Interventions in the environment are necessary to prevent recontact of deer with habitats used by the snail intermediate host, and enable the success of the therapy.

Angiostrongylus vasorum Causing Severe Granulomatous Hepatitis with Concurrent Multiple Acquired PSS.

A 14 mo old female Jack Russell terrier presented with a 12 hr history of vomiting and inappetence. She was subsequently diagnosed with multiple acquired portosystemic shunts during an exploratory celiotomy. Gross and histopathological hepatic abnormalities were consistent with chronic disease, including features suggestive of portal hypertension that was potentially caused by migrating and resident Angiostrongylus vasorum larvae. Fecal analysis and polymerase chain reaction of hepatic tissue confirmed the presence of Angiostrongylus vasorum . The dog recovered clinically following empirical treatment and supportive care. A lack of parasite burden was confirmed 9 wk postdiagnosis; however, serum biochemical analysis at that time was suggestive of ongoing hepatic dysfunction.

PREVALENCE OF Calodium hepaticum (SYN. Capillaria hepatica) IN Rattus norvegicus IN THE URBAN AREA OF RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL / Prevalência de Calodium hepaticum (sin. Capillaria hepatica) em Rattus norvegicus em área urbana do Rio de Janeiro, Brasil

The nematode Calodium hepaticum (syn. Capillaria hepatica) is a zoonotic helminth found mainly infecting rats. It was studied the prevalence of C. hepaticum infection in Rattus norvegicus in an urban area of Rio de Janeiro (Brazil), with low urban planning and sanitation. The presence of C. hepaticum was identified through visible yellowish-white lesions in liver tissue and histological analyses. The total prevalence of infection was 45%, with no significant differences between sex and age. The presence of infected rodents near the peridomestic area poses substantial risk to human health.

O nematóide Calodium hepaticum (sin. Capillaria hepatica) é um helminto zoonótico encontrado infectando principalmente ratos. A prevalência da infecção de C. hepaticum em Rattus norvegicus foi investigada em área urbana do Rio de Janeiro (Brasil) com baixo planejamento e saneamento. A presença de C. hepaticum foi identificada através da presença de lesões macroscópicas caracterizadas por manchas extensas de coloração branco-amarelada difusa por toda superfície do tecido do fígado e através de análise histológica. A prevalência total da infecção foi de 45% sem diferença significativa entre o sexo e idade. A presença de roedores infectados próximos do peridomicílio representa um risco substancial para a saúde humana.

Identification of Lamanema chavezi Becklund 1963 infection in a llama (Lama glama) in the United States.

Infection with Lamanema chavezi, a parasitic nematode of New World camelids, was diagnosed by examination of feces and formalin-fixed liver from a 14-month-old female llama (Lama glama) that died after a 6-week illness. Infection with L. chavezi was initially suspected when a granuloma containing an unidentified nematode was detected microscopically in the hepatic parenchyma from a necropsy specimen. The subsequent diagnosis of L. chavezi infection was based on the morphologic features of 2 immature nematodes dissected from individual hepatic granulomas, characteristics of eggs detected in feces of the llama by centrifugal flotation in sugar solution (specific gravity: 1.30), development of third-stage larvae within the eggs after incubation of the llama feces at room temperature for ≥30 days, and the morphology of third-stage larvae released from the embryonated eggs. Collectively, these findings indicate that the llama, born and raised in Oregon, harbored an autochthonous L. chavezi infection. Eggs identified as L. chavezi were also detected by centrifugal flotation of pelleted feces from 3 of 7 herd mates of the llama indicating this parasite is endemic in the Oregon herd. The findings reported herein serve to alert diagnosticians and veterinary practitioners to the occurrence of L. chavezi in New World camelids in the United States and describe diagnostic features of this potential pathogen.

Liver histopathology in the cane toad, Rhinella marina (Amphibia: Bufonidae), induced by Ortleppascaris sp. larvae (Nematoda: Ascarididae).

Exposure to parasites is considered to be an important factor in the development of many diseases and histopathologies which are the result of the parasite-host interaction. The present study evaluated the impact of natural infection by larvae of Ortleppascaris sp. (Nematoda: Ascaridida) in the liver of the cane toad Rhinella marina (Linnaeus, 1758). Larvae were encysted in nodules delimited by collagenous fibers and fibroblasts or freely within the hepatic parenchyma, provoking a clear response from the host. The histological examination of the liver revealed viable larvae in a number of different developmental stages, as well as cysts filled with amorphous material and cell residues and surrounded by dense fibrotic tissue. The infection of the liver by these larvae induces a significant increase in the area occupied by melanomacrophages and a reduction or deficit in the vascularization of the liver, hypertrophy of the hepatocytes, vacuolar bodies, and cytoplasmatic granules. Focal concentrations of inflammatory infiltrates were observed enclosing the unencapsulated early-stage larvae. These results indicate that infection by Ortleppascaris sp. induces severe physiological problems and histopathological lesions in the liver of R. marina .

Prevalence of three liver parasites in sheep and goats in Al-Madinah Al-Munawwarah, Saudi Arabia Kingdom.

The epidemiological status of cysticercosis, hydatidosis and dicrocoelosis in sheep and the production practices of sheep farmers that increase the risk of exposure of sheep to their infectious agents were studied in Al-Madinah, during 2011-2012. A total of 450 sheep and 1650 goats were inspected randomly at an abattoir survey and the prevalence of hydatidosis, cysticercosis and dicrocoelosis was recorded as 0.4%, 13.3% & 0.6% in sheep and 0.16%, 1.8% & 0.0% in goats respectively. The prevalence of cysticercosis increased dramatically in days of wedding parties to more than 75% because a large number of sheep was brought from one grazing endemic farm. The improper disposal of dead animals, the access of farm dogs to offal of slaughtered sheep, the farmers carelessness to treat their dogs with anthelmintic, and the grazing of flocks in fields where stray dogs have free access; increased the sheep and goats risk of exposure to hydatidosis and cysticercosis.

Platynosomum fastosum-induced cholangiocarcinomas in cats.

Platynosomum fastosum is a feline biliary tract trematode that generally causes asymptomatic infections. In the early 1980s in Brazil, P. fastosum was associated with cholangiocarcinomas, but this finding was not confirmed in the various publications on the parasite during the last 30 years. This study aims to report three cases of cholangiocarcinomas in cats associated with the presence of P. fastosum. From 2000 to 2011, in the Veterinary Hospital of the Federal University of Campina Grande in northeast Brazil, 348 cats were necropsied, 11 of which (3.16%) were parasitized by P. fastosum. Three cases that resulted in death were associated with cholangiocarcinomas that were found to be associated with P. fastosum. Histologically, the tumors consisted of acini composed of cells with pleomorphic nuclei, loose chromatin, evident nucleoli and lightly eosinophilic cytoplasm. Metastases were observed in two cases. The first case involved metastases to the lungs, kidneys, ovary and peritoneum, and in the second case, the lymph nodes, kidneys, heart and encephalon were involved. The other 8 cats died from other causes, and the parasite was an incidental finding. In those cases, the histologic lesions were nonsuppurative cholangiohepatitis and periductal fibrosis with P. fastosum present. Six animals also showed pre-neoplastic changes (hyperplasia and dysplasia) of the biliary duct epithelium. The study concluded that, as observed in other human biliary tract trematodes, P. fastosum causes cholangiocarcinomas in the liver of cats.

Prevalence of hepatic parasites in Korean wild rats (Rattus norvegicus) and their association with pulmonary arteriolar medial hypertrophy.

C hepatica, an important zoonotic parasite, and C fasciolaris are common parasites in rodents. In rodent livers, C hepatica causes sequential morphologic changes that are designated as early, intermediate, or late phase, and C fasciolaris forms cysts surrounded by fibroplasia and granulomatous inflammation. The present study describes the prevalence of these parasites and associated liver and lung lesions in wild rats (Rattus norvegicus) living around pig farms in South Korea. Selected parenchymal organs, including liver and lung, of 89 wild rats were examined. Of 89 rats, 28 (31.5%) were infected with either C hepatica or C fasciolaris or with both parasites. Severe medial hypertrophy of small arterioles was observed in the lungs of 11 of the 28 parasite-infected rats (P < .01). The pulmonary arteriolar hypertrophy in the rats infected with C hepatica was strongly associated with early and/or intermediate phases (88.8%) of morphologic change in the livers (P < .01). As such, this report is the first to suggest a significant association between parasite-induced hepatitis and pulmonary arteriolar hypertrophy in rodents. Further studies are warranted for the use of C hepatica-infected rats as an animal model to explore the underlying mechanisms of portopulmonary hypertension in humans.

Primer caso de platinosomosis en Colombia:Platynosomum illiciens (Digenea: Dicrocoeliidae)en Felis catus, Turbo, Antioquia / Primeiro caso da platinosomosis na Colombia: Platynosomum illiciens (Digenea:Dicrocoeliidae) em Felis Catus, Turbo, Antioquia / First case of platinosomosis from Colombia: Platynosomum illiciens (Digenea: Dicrocoeliidae) in Felis Catus, Turbo, Antioquia

La platinosomosis es una enfermedad hepática causada por digéneos del género PlatynosomumLooss, 1907, que afecta aves y mamíferos de áreas tropicales y subtropicales. La alta incidencia de laenfermedad en gatos ha posibilitado contar con detallada información acerca del ciclo de vida del parásito,su patogenia, diagnostico y tratamiento. En el 2002, en Turbo, Antioquia, se detectó un gato (Felis catus)con mala condición corporal, alopecia, extrema delgadez, vientre inflamado y notables síntomas deenfermedad hepática. Dada la gravedad de la enfermedad, al gato se le realizó la eutanasia y durantela necropsia se hallaron quistes en el hígado que contenían digéneos de la familia Dicrocoeliidae. Esteartículo tiene como propósito establecer el estatus taxonómico específico del parásito y dar a conocerel caso mediante la descripción de los signos clínicos. El digéneo fue identificado como Platynosomumilliciens y sus signos clínicos son típicos de la enfermedad, su difícil diagnostico sugiere realizar un examencoprológico acompañado de una ecografía. Se recomienda realizar un estudio de foco en Turbo Antioquia,considerando su amplia distribución en la región del Caribe y países vecinos. El presente estudio constituyeel primer caso de platinosomosis en Colombia.

Platinosomosis is a liver disease caused by Digeneans of the genus Platynosomum Looss, 1907, thataffects birds and mammals in tropical and subtropical areas. The high incidence of the disease in cats hasallowed to obtain detailed information about the life cycle of the parasite, pathogenesis, diagnosis andtreatment. In 2002, in Turbo, Antioquia, we detected a cat (Felis catus) with poor body condition, hairloss, extreme thinness, swollen belly and significant symptoms of liver disease. Given the severity of thedisease, the cat was euthanized and the autopsy found digeneans from Dicrocoeliidae family in the livercysts. This paper aims to establish the taxonomic specificity of the parasite and bring forward the case bydescribing the clinical symptoms. The digenea was identified as Platynosomum illiciens and the clinicalsigns are typical of this disease, its diagnosis suggests a coprological review with an ultrasound exam. Werecommend making a focus study on Turbo Antioquia, considering its wide distribution in the Caribbeanregion and neighboring countries. This study is the first case of platinosomosis in Colombia.

Platinosomosis é uma doença hepática causada pelo gênero Digenea Platynosomum Looss de 1907, queafecta as aves e mamíferos em áreas tropicais e subtropicais. A alta incidência da doença em gatos levoua ter informações detalhadas sobre o ciclo de vida do parasita, patogenia, diagnóstico e tratamento. Em2002, na Turbo, Antioquia, era um gato (Felis catus) com má condição corporal, perda de cabelo, magrezaextrema, barriga inchada e significativos sintomas de doença hepática. Dada a gravidade da doença, osgatos foram submetidos à eutanásia e foram encontrados durante a autópsia no fígado cistos contendoDigenea Dicrocoeliidae da família. Este artigo tem por objectivo estabelecer o estatuto taxonómico doparasita específico e divulgar o evento, descrevendo os sintomas clínicos. O Digenea foi identificada comoPlatynosomum illiciens e os sinais clínicos são típicos da doença, seu diagnóstico coprológico sugereuma revisão com um ultra-som. Recomendamos que você faça um estudo incidir sobre Turbo Antioquia,considerando sua ampla distribuição na região do Caribe e de países vizinhos. Este estudo é o primeirocaso de platinosomosis na Colômbia.

Histopathological features of Capillaria hepatica infection in laboratory rabbits.

Capillaria hepatica is a nematode parasite of wild rodents and other mammals. Adult worms inhabit the liver. Recently, during the necropsy examination of a group of 160 rabbits from a commercial supplier, firm pale or cystic areas (1-5 mm) were noted on the liver in thirteen animals. On further investigation, these animals were found to be infected with C. hepatica. The histopathological features of the infection in the rabbit are described for the first time and diagnostic features recorded. Lesions were identified predominantly in portal tracts consisting of dilated bile ducts with luminal debris, peribiliary inflammatory cell infiltrates, and fibrosis. Large granulomas (macrogranulomas) were evident in portal areas and involved the bile ducts. Macrogranulomas contained collections of characteristic C. hepatica eggs, macrophages, eosinophils, and lymphocytes. Small granulomas (microgranulomas), characterized by epithelioid macrophages surrounded by lymphocytes and eosinophils, were also identified. C. hepatica eggs were also observed in the lumina of the bile ducts and gall bladder. No adult C. hepatica worms were identified. Oocysts of Eimeria stiedae were also evident in the biliary epithelium in some animals. The unique characteristics of the C. hepatica life cycle are described, and the differential diagnosis of hepatic capillariasis is discussed.

Hepatic changes in congenital Schistosoma japonicum infections in pigs.

The inflammatory response in liver tissue from piglets congenitally infected with Schistosoma japonicum was examined at two different timepoints after infection. The piglets, which were the offspring of three sows infected with 9000 S. japonicum cercariae in the 10th week of gestation, were allocated into two groups (n=9 and 17) killed 5 or 11 weeks after birth, respectively. All piglets developed a low level infection,with no significant difference between the groups. Inflammatory lesions in the liver consisted mainly of granulomas in portal areas, often obliterating the portal veins, and frequently with central eggs or egg remnants. The granulomatous reaction consisted of epithelioid cells and occasional giant cells surrounded by layers of lymphocytes, eosinophils, plasma cells, and various amounts of collagen and fibroblasts. Mild to moderate infiltration of portal and septal connective tissue with eosinophils and lymphocytes was common, but the connective tissue was generally not increased. At the two timepoints, slight differences were observed in the numbers of eosinophils and lymphocytes in the granulomas and in the size of the granulomatous reaction. The same pattern of immunohistochemical labelling was seen in both groups. CD79alpha(+) B cells were scarce except in granuloma-associated lymphoid follicles;the majority of lymphocytes in granulomas and at other sites were CD3epsilon(+) T cells. The granulomatous reaction in the livers of piglets to schistosoma eggs from prenatal S. japonicum infection was similar to that seen in postnatal infection. Signs of immunomodulation of granulomas between the two timepoints of infection were not demonstrable.

Histopathological and immunohistochemical study of type 3 complement receptors (CD11b/CD18) in livers and spleens of asymptomatic and symptomatic dogs naturally infected with Leishmania (Leishmania) chagasi.

Leishmania promastigotes interact with macrophages through the association of multiple membrane surface receptors. Macrophage complement receptor CR3 (CD11b/CD18 or Mac-1) has been implicated in the interaction of both human and murine macrophages with serum-opsonized promastigotes. The aim of this study was to determine CR3 expression in the livers and spleens of dogs naturally infected with Leishmania (Leishmania) chagasi. CR3 expression in liver was higher in asymptomatic than in symptomatic animals. Moreover, the hepatic parasitism load determined by immunocytochemical analysis was lower in parallel with higher numbers of granulomas. In contrast, in spleens, CR3 expression was higher in symptomatic animals than in asymptomatic ones. However, the tissue parasite load was greater in spleens of symptomatic dogs. There was a strict correlation between the parasite load and cellular CR3 expression in the spleens of dogs naturally infected with L. chagasi. CR3 macrophage integrins could be essential receptors for Leishmania survival. Considering that the symptomatic animals showed higher parasite loads and higher CD11b/CD18 expression in their spleens, we can conclude that these splenic cells (monocyte-macrophages) might serve to perpetuate intracellular infection.

Cystic liver disease related to high Platynosomum fastosum infection in a domestic cat.

Platynosomum fastosum is a small fluke found in the biliary ducts and gallbladder of cats. Its lifecycle includes the snail Sublima octona as intermediate host, and lizards, toads and geckos as paratenic hosts. Affected cats are usually adult and acquire the parasite by feeding on infected lizards. This parasite occurs across the world but is more frequent in tropical areas. The clinical signs range from none to obstruction of the biliary tract, with hepatic failure and death, reinforcing the necessity of including the liver fluke Platynosomum fastosum in the differential diagnosis of hepatic diseases in cats. This report describes an unusual case of a cat with a polycystic hepatic disease and a severe infestation by Platynosomum fastosum and presents a review of the literature.

[Acute hepatitis cysticercosa and pneumonitis cysticercosa in a lamb: case report]. / Bir kuzuda akut hepatitis cysticercosa ve pneumonitis cysticercosa: olgu sunumu.

The diseases known as hepatitis cysticercosa and pneumonitis cysticercosa are caused by migrating Cysticercus tenuicollis, the intermediate stage of Taenia hydatigena, in the liver and lung tissue of intermediate hosts like sheep, goats, cattle, pigs and squirrels. In this study, parasitological and pathological examinations were performed on the liver and lung tissue samples of a one month old lamb that had died in a herd of Karadayi village, Bünyan, Kayseri. After the examination, hepatitis cysticercosa and parasitic verminous pneumonia (Pneumonitis cysticercosa) were diagnosed and the results were discussed.