Pathological and biochemical aspects of the hepatic coccidiosis in rabbits

Abstract

The pathological and biochemical changes in Eimeria stiedae experimentally
infected adult NZW rabbits were evaluated. The infected group, with 1x104 oocysts, presented increased levels of bilirubin, aspartate amino transferase, alanine amino
transferase, alkaline phosphatase, and gamma glutamyltransferase. In the necropsy,
abdominal distension due to ascites, hepatomegaly associated with congestion and
fibrosis, thickened gallbladder wall, and elevated quantity of the bile was observed.
The histopathology showed biliary ducts hyperplasia with lumen dilatation. The
biliary ducts intra-luminal projections were papillary with intensive presence
of mitosis; inside the cells and ducts E. stiedae were observed. Proliferation of
connective tissue and mononuclear inflammatory infiltrate in the ducts were
observed along with hepatic congestion and moderate vacuolar degeneration of the
hepatocytes. Splenic hyperplasia, moderate lymphoid follicular hyperplasia as well
as moderate inflammatory infiltration in the red pulp were observed as well.