Histopathological changes in the liver of buffaloes by digenetic trematode Paramphistomum cervi

Hepatic damage in buffalo infected with Paramphistomum cervi is described here based on the study of histological sections of infected liver of the animal. Hundreds of parasites were found attached to the liver. Pieces of infected liver were processed for section cutting and enclosed in paraffin wax by usual process. 5-7 micron thick sections were prepared, dewaxed, stained with hematoxylin and eosin by standard method and mounted permanently in Canada balsam. Microphotographs of selected portions of the sections were prepared in support of observations. The observations revealed severe tissue damage and bile duct hyperplasia. Hardly normal hepatocytes were seen. Most of the liver tissue were replaced by proliferating bile duct, necrotic material and light to heavy fibrosis of the portal tract area. In severe infections even the bile ducts were disintegrated with separation of epithelial cells and their nuclei.