Histological and histochemical study of the lesions induced by Trichuris vulpis (Froelich, 1789) in the caecum of dogs

Abstract

The macroscopic and microscopic lesions produced by Trichuris vulpis in the caecum of dogs were studied. The macroscopic alterations were described as large “thickening” of the caecum walls and the presence of petechiae and suffusion. In the caecal lumen, the number of parasites found was large as well as the encreased production of mucus. The histological examen in the infected caeca showed that the parasite do not produce deep alterations in the caecal wall. These alterations were characterized by edema in the submucosa and celular infiltrate linpho-plasmocitary prevalent. In the mucosa superfice the number of parasites was large as well as the quantity of muco present; the lymphoid folicules showed a marked hyperplasia. Using histochemical methods, it was verified the secreted muco presented the same characteristics as that produced by the caliciform normal cells.