The response to Fasciola hepatica was studied in sheep infected with 5, 30, 150 metacercariae. The animals were necropsied 12 weeks post-infection (p-i) for counting and measuring flukes. Cellular and humoral responses were detected by peripheral eosinophil count, peripheral blood lymphocyte proliferation with excretory-secretory products (FhESP) and ELISA. All sheep were infected at necropsy except one sheep which was infected with 5 metacercariae. Mean parasitic intensities were 40%, 44% and 27% of the infection dose in sheep infected with 5, 30, 150 metacercariae respectively. FhESP-specific lymphocyte responses of the 3 infected groups were significantly enhanced in weeks 3 and 4 p-i (p < 0.05). The kinetics of the specific humoral response were similar for the 3 infected groups but the antibody level was significantly lower in animals infected with 5 metacercariae than in the 2 other infected groups from week 5 p-i to week 12 p-i (p < 0.05). Peripheral eosinophil count was significantly enhanced (p < 0.05) in infected groups. The numbers of peripheral eosinophils were significantly different between the 3 infected groups in week 3, 4 and 6 p-i and were related to infection level. These results confirm that sheep are highly susceptible to F. hepatica infection, even when infection pressure is very low. Peripheral eosinophilia was dependent of the infection level. The immune response was similar in sheep infected with various numbers of flukes.

Animals↗

PubMedDate not supplied

[Osteomalacia and anticonvulsant therapy: serum assay of 25 hydroxy D in an epileptic population (author's transl) (proceedings)].

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Adolescent↗

PubMedDate not supplied

[Action of insulin on the thyroid protein synthesis in dogs (author's transl) (proceedings)].

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Animals↗

PubMedDate not supplied

[Bovine hypodermosis in north-eastern Algeria: prevalence and intensity of infestation].

Between 1989 and 1997 different factors related to warble fly infestation (prevalence, intensity, climate, breed) were studied in north-eastern Algeria. Mean prevalence during the period was 76%. This figure was obtained from a cattle market survey of four different regions (Jijel, Constantine, Guelma, and El Tarf). One-hundred percent of the herds were found to be infested in El Tarf and 61% of animals were infested. Within a herd, the intensity of infestation decreased with the age of the cattle. The mean number of warbles per animal decreased as reinfestations occurred. The peak of the emergence of warbles observed between January and March was progressively delayed in the older animals. Two species of Hypoderma were present in cattle in Algeria (H. bovis and H. lineatum) with a predominance of H. lineatum (63%) in the semi-arid area (Batna) and a majority of H. bovis (75%) in humid area (Jijel). Warbles appeared earlier in Batna (October) than in Jijel (November). The Prim'Holstein breed was more susceptible to the warble fly infestation than Montbeliard or local breeds. The implementation of a control programme for hypodermosis in Algeria is urgent. Control can be achieved through a mass treatment of cattle. This approach must take into account the factors described in this study which influence the epidemiology of the disease.

Algeria↗