Pathogenesis and serodiagnosis of experimental Trichinella spiralis spiralis and Trichinella spiralis nativa infections in cattle

Abstract

Trichinella spiralis spiralis infections were established in cattle by gavage and by feeding infected musculature in the ration. Trichinae were present in greatest numbers in masseter, tongue and diaphragm. Trichinella spiralis nativa had a low infectivity to cattle although a light infection was established in one cow by a heavy challenge. Cattle had an aversion to eating musculature unless it was camouflaged with molasses. Clinical signs of reluctance to eat and masticate were observed between 10 and 30 days postinfection. Eosinophil counts started to increase at seven days and peaked at about 30 days postinfection. By day 60 eosinophil counts returned to near preinfection levels but in animals examined greater than 90 days postinfection, the counts were variable. Focal lesions of eosinophilic myositis were observed up to about 90 days postinfection. Little cellular reaction was observed surrounding trichinae after muscle invasion and cyst development was completed except for cysts undergoing disintegration. Seroconversion occurred in all cattle examined between 7 and 14 days postinfection. Seroconversion was associated with IgG1 and IgG2 immunoglobulins. Peak levels of antibody occurred between 30 and 60 days. Cattle examined at 182 and 369 days postinfection showed a gradual decrease in antibody levels over time.