A clinico-pathological study of bilharziasis in sheep

Abstract

Six healthy sheep were artificially infested through skin exposure with graded doses of cercariae of Schistosoma mattheei Veglia & LeRoux, 1929. By means of laboratory tests the development of lesions due to the disease could be monitored at weekly intervals, so as to shed light on its pathogenesis. In spite of lowering of the albumin fraction the total serum protein tended to rise, mainly as the result of an increase of beta and gamma globulin concentrations. Bromsulphalein retention was increased in the more acute cases due to portal venous tree obstruction but transaminase activity and bilirubin concentration rose only occasionally and transiently, indicating minimal and passing hepatocellular damage. Anaemia developed, normocytic in character, indicating the effect of simple blood loss. Leucocyte counts were not significantly affected but occasional rises of eosinophile percentage indicated transient episodes of sensitivity. Acid-base disturbances were absent and some loss of sodium and potassium through the bowel wall was demonstrated. Renal and mineral metabolism were not affected.