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Trichuris muris Infection: A Model of Type 2 Immunity and Inflammation in the Gut
Published on: May 24, 2011
Intestinal changes in puppies infected with Toxocara canis.
S Lloyd1, M K Wijesundera, E J Soulsby
1Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine, University of Cambridge, U.K.
Journal of Comparative Pathology
|July 1, 1991
Summary
Toxocara canis infection in puppies impairs nutrient absorption and alters small intestine structure. Treatment or natural parasite elimination improves villous goblet cell counts, aiding recovery.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Parasitology
- Gastroenterology
- Canine Health
Background:
- Toxocara canis is a common intestinal parasite in dogs.
- Puppyhood infections can lead to significant health issues.
- Understanding the impact on small intestinal function is crucial for effective treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of Toxocara canis infection on small intestinal histopathology and nutrient absorption in Beagle puppies.
- To assess the impact of infection severity on intestinal changes.
- To evaluate the recovery of intestinal parameters after antiparasitic treatment or spontaneous infection clearance.
Main Methods:
- Beagle puppies were experimentally infected with moderate or low burdens of Toxocara canis.
- Absorption of xylose and para-aminobenzoic acid was measured.
- Fat assimilation and fecal proteolytic activity were assessed.
- Small intestinal villous height, goblet cell numbers (villous and crypt), intra-epithelial lymphocytes, mast cells, and pyroninophilic cells were analyzed histopathologically.
Main Results:
- Toxocara canis infection significantly reduced xylose absorption and fat assimilation, while slightly delaying para-aminobenzoic acid absorption.
- Reduced villous height was observed, inversely proportional to infection intensity.
- Villous goblet cell numbers decreased, and crypt goblet cell numbers increased with higher parasite burdens.
- Villous goblet cell counts recovered post-treatment with piperazine or spontaneous infection clearance.
- Intra-epithelial lymphocyte counts varied with age and infection status, but mast cell and pyroninophilic cell numbers were unaffected.
Conclusions:
- Toxocara canis infection causes significant malabsorption and histopathological changes in the puppy small intestine.
- The extent of intestinal damage correlates with the parasite burden.
- Recovery of villous morphology, particularly goblet cell populations, occurs after parasite elimination, highlighting the intestine's regenerative capacity.
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