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.
