Pathological changes caused by Anoplocephala perfoliata in the equine ileocecal junction.

This research paper investigated the link between the tapeworm Anoplocephala perfoliata and gastrointestinal issues in horses, finding a significant connection between the presence of the parasite and damage to the intestinal nervous system which supports the correlation between this tapeworm infestation and equine colic.

Study Overview

• The study focused on examining the pathological changes induced by the tapeworm Anoplocephala perfoliata in the ileocecal junction of horses. This junction is a significant part of the horse’s gastrointestinal system.
• 31 slaughtered horses that had infestations with this parasite were put under study.

Significance of Anoplocephala perfoliata

• Earlier, Anoplocephala perfoliata was not considered a pathogenic tapeworm, meaning it was not thought to cause disease.
• However, recent studies have seen a connection between this parasite and equine colic – a commonly occurring gastrointestinal disorder in horses potentially leading to significant morbidity and mortality.

Findings from the Study

• The study found a significant relationship between the severity of the histopathological lesions in the mucosa and submucosa (the lining and underlying layer of the gastrointestinal tract respectively) and the parasitic load or infestation level. This suggested that the greater the infestation, the more severe the damage to these layers.
• Hypertrophy, or the enlargement of the circular muscle layer in the intestines, was observed in horses affected by the parasites. Such a condition can disrupt normal intestinal function.
• An assessment of the enteric nervous system (ENS), which regulates the functioning of the gastrointestinal system, showed damage to the intestinal nervous elements in horses carrying moderate to high levels of the parasite.

Conclusion

• These findings on the ENS support a correlation between equine colic and infestation with Anoplocephala perfoliata, shedding light on potential causes of this common equine disorder.
• It builds upon emerging evidence that A. perfoliata is not merely a benign inhabitant of the horse’s gut, but can inflict significant pathological changes leading to gastrointestinal trouble, namely colic.