EXPERIMENTAL CLONOCHIASIS SINENSIS

Rabbits which were experimentally infected with Clonorchis sinensis demonstrated gross anatomic changes in liver tissue characterized by proliferation of connective tissue beginning at the margin of the liver and by nodule formation along impaired intrahepatic bile ducts containing the worms. Hepatomegaly, liver cirrhosis, swelling of the gall bladder, dilatation of the extrahepatic bile duct and ascites were also distinctive findings. Liver function tests, SGOT, SGPT, ALP and total cholesterol, showed abnormally higher values in the infected rabbits than in the control group from the 13th to the 20th day after infection. After the 35th day, as gross anatomic changes became obvious, the liver function tests had almost completely returned to the normal range. Changes in the serum protein fractions, however, maintained the pattern of decreased albumin and increased globulin during the experiment. These data suggest confirmed injury to liver parenchyma and disturbance of liver function.