[Pathomorphological changes in the liver in experimental superinvasive opisthorchiasis]

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Parasitology
• Hepatology
• Infectious Diseases

Background:

• Opisthorchis felineus (liver fluke) infection poses a significant health risk, particularly in endemic regions.
• Developing reliable experimental models is crucial for understanding parasite-host interactions and disease pathogenesis.
• Previous models have limitations in replicating the full spectrum of human opisthorchiasis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To establish and validate an experimental model of Opisthorchis felineus superinvasion in piglets.
• To investigate the pathological changes in the liver and biliary system following experimental infection.
• To assess the suitability of piglets as a model for studying opisthorchiasis.

Main Methods:

• Thirty 3-month-old piglets were experimentally infected with Opisthorchis felineus metacercariae via contaminated fish.
• A secondary infection was administered one month after the initial exposure.
• Histopathological examination of liver tissues was performed 2.5 months post-first infection.

Main Results:

• Opisthorchiasis developed in 14 out of 30 infected piglets.
• Histological findings included diffuse persistent hepatitis (9 piglets) and aggressive hepatitis (4 piglets).
• Characteristic proliferative changes in intrahepatic bile ducts, including polyposis and inflammatory cell infiltration, were observed.

Conclusions:

• The experimental reproduction of Opisthorchis felineus superinvasion in piglets is feasible.
• Piglets exhibit pathological liver and biliary changes consistent with human opisthorchiasis.
• This piglet model is suitable for further research into Opisthorchis felineus infection and control strategies.