Effect of acanthocephalan infection on the intestinal wall of snake (Naja naja): a histopathological parameter

During a routine collection of helminth parasites from vertebrates acanthocephala were recovered from the intestine of Naja naja. As the acanthocephala were attached to intestinal wall it was desirable to study its histopathology severe host tissue reaction has occurred and whole thickness of the intestinal wall was involved. Intestinal mucosa was badly affected. Atrophy, necrosis, degeneration, shrinkage and erosion of the surface layers was seen in several sections. Most of the sub-mucoid region replaced by homogeneous pink staining material and fibrinous exudate. Dense fibrous mass was observed at the surrounding area of acanthocephala. In most of the sections mucosa and sub-mucosa were eroded and villi were degenerated and dislocated. Several sections of acanthocephala were observed in the serosal layers. It is suggested that similar host tissue reaction probably can occur in human because snake meat serve as a food item in some parts of the world.