effect of infection of the filarial parasite brugia malayi - Pondicherry ...

4.4.2.2 Histopathological changes in relation to DEC treatment
All the organs of the infected DEC treated animals showed similar histological
changes like that of the infected untreated animals. However, the testicular tissue showed
severe degeneration and the seminiferous tubules were completely devoid of
spermatogenic cells and spermatozoa (Plate 32). They contained only fibrous material. In
some areas, moderate to severe infiltration of the lymphocytes, plasma cells and
macrophages were recorded. Adult female parasite sections were present in pockets
(Plate 33). In some sections calcified adult parasites were observed. Mild connective
tissue proliferation was present around the parasite in some sections.
4.4.3. DISCUSSION
Vincent et al. (1976) studied the chronological development of pulmonary
pathology associated with B. malayi, B. pahangi and B. patei in Meriones unguiculatus,
which caused inflammatory reactions. Pulmonary granulomas were observed during the
final molt, followed by involution and formation of residual vascular lesions and some
were seen during sexual maturity of the worms. Obstructive endarteritis and chronic
interstitial inflammation with degenerating mf were also observed. Malone et al., (1976)
studied the histopathological lesions in the lymphatic system and other major organs of
hamsters infected with B. pahangi. Cellular infiltration of plasma cells and eosinophil,
obstruction of pulmonary arteries and obstructive granulomatous lymphangitis were
observed. Live and dead worms were found in testicular parenchyma. Accumulation of
eosinophils, large mononuclear cells and plasma cells were seen in interstitial tissues
between superfacial seminiferous tubules. Heavy accumulation of hemosiderin and giant
cells were also observed in the lung. Degenerative or necrotic hepatocytes occurred In the
liver. Schacher and Sahyoun (1967) reported pathologic changes due to B. pahangi in
experimentally infected cats and dogs. Hyperplasia of lymph follicles and reticular cells
of the nodal stroma had been reported (Schacher and Sahyoun, 1967; Mak, 1983).
Destruction of mf had-been observed in the spleen, which caused acute and chronic
inflammatory reaction in patients infected with B. malayi (Mak, 1983). Large number of
lesions were observed in liver, lungs and spleen of ferret infected with B, malayi and B.