Pathophysiology of ovine schistosomiasis

摘要: Abstract Measurements of nitrogen balance and apparent digestibility coefficients various dietary components were made over a 12 week period on 4 sheep exposed weeks previously to 10 000 Schistosoma mattheei cercariae pair-fed controls. Following the onset oviposition, status both groups decreased due loss appetite by infected animals consequential restriction intake enforced Whereas controls generally maintained small positive balances throughout study, prolonged periods negative occurred in 3 sheep; 4th animal, although balance, also showed greater depletion body than its control partner. These differences attributable urinary faecal losses associated with disease. The magnitude decline correlated closely severity other parameters disease, such as diarrhoea, weight loss, hypercatabolism albumin. reduced all constituents measured, especially nitrogen, could be presence ova gastro-intestinal tract. While not providing direct measure digestive efficiency, data presented support view that impaired digestion and/or malabsorption plays some part pathogenesis schistosomiasis sheep.