The role of host nutrition in the pathogenesis of ovine fascioliasis

摘要: The relationship between host nutrition and the development of clinical fascioliasis in sheep was investigated by comparing course disease, firstly animals given same number Fasciola hepatica metacercariae fed rations containing 6 or 13% crude protein, secondly chronically infected transferred from high to low protein diets. In first experiment, it found that on lower ration experienced more rapid anaemia, hypoalbuminaemia weight loss, died earlier than their better counterparts. Since fluke burdens were comparable both groups concluded advantages displayed latter reflected greater capacity withstand parasites' pathogenic effects rather a superior ability limit infection. This supported results second experiment demonstrating faster disease when switched planes nutrition. The importance reduced appetite also studied indices with those worm-free maintained level feed intake. It loss contributed substantially, although not entirely, hypoalbuminaemia, but itself apparently had little effect attendant anaemia.