Special Veterinary Pathology

AMPHISTOMIASIS

Definition

• It is also known as stomach fluke disease, the intestinal phase of amphistomiais is a common parasitic disease of cattle, and to lesser extent sheep
• It is caused by Paramphistome flukes and characterised by severe enteritis
• Eggs - Big operculated egg with distinct yolk

Pathogenesis

• Adult flukes are non pathogenic
• Metacercariae swallowed and young flukes reach the intestine, later migrate to rumen and reticulum via duodenum and abomasum, before becoming mature in 6 weeks to 4 months
• The immature flukes attach to the intestinal mucosa causing irritation resulting in enteritis

Clinical signs

• The clinical condition caused by immature parasite is known as “immature amphistomiasis” manifested by persistent foetid diarrhoea, bottle jaw and emaciation

Gross lesions

• Ascites, hydropericardium, duodenal thickening with fibro catarrhal inflammation.

Microscopic lesions

• The immature flukes may be seen in the deeper layers of the mucosa and in the wall of the gut

Diagnosis

• Observe the operculated eggs with yolk and germ cells in the dung
• Symptoms of emaciation, diarrhoea and bottle jaw