The mesenteric lymph nodes pathology by nymph stage of Linguatula serrata in cattle

Linguatula serrata is a cosmopolitan and zoonotic parasite which occurs in carnivores (definitive host) and herbivores animals (intermediate host). Present study was aimed to find out the pathological changes of affected mesenteric lymph nodes (MLNs) by nymph stage of L. serrata in cattle. Carcasses of slaughtered cattle were inspected directly and infected MLNs with L. serrata were collected. Infected MLNs were fixed in 10% formalin and embedded in paraffin. Prepared sections were stained by Hematoxyline-Eosin (H&E) and examined. The MLNs were grossly enlarged, smooth and edematous with cystic areas which nymph stages scattered throughout the lymph nodes. Histopathology changes were included inflammatory reactions brought about by the parasite on the lymph nodes. Reticuloendothelial proliferation resulted in macrophage accumulation, many of these reaction patterns included granulomata. The vascular lesion included prevascular cuffing and mild vaculities. The lymphocytes reduced in number with apoptotic cell death. In view of the consumption of raw or undercooked visceral organs of cattle in the region, a systematic and rigorous inspection of the MLNs in slaughtered cattle would be useful to reduce human infection risk.