[Granulomatous inflammation of the liver in opisthorchiasis]

Granulomatous liver inflammation was studied in Syrian hamsters in opisthorchiasis alone and in combination with different factors, such as carcinogens, anthelmintics, immunosuppressants and pregnancy. Parasitic ova and metabolites, as well as hepatic cell necrosis are shown to be the initiating factors of granulomatous inflammation. Granulomas originate in ductal walls, hepatic stroma and parenchyma. Four granuloma types are distinguished, i.e. macrophagal, giant-cell, necrotizing and cicatricial one. The biggest granuloma area was observed in superinvasive form of helminthiasis, when infection was combined with a carcinogen (DMNA), and in pregnant female hamsters treated with droncite. It is suggested that opisthorchiasis is a granulomatous disease.