Histo-architectural alterations induced by Euclinostomum heterostomum (metacercariae) infected liver of Channa punctata (Bloch)

Present investigation was carried out to study the effect of digenetic trematode, Euclinostomum heretostomum on the histo-architecture of liver of Channa punctata. In case of mild infection, the metacercariae were found attached to the external surface of hepatic tissue. While in case of acute or chronic infection, the encysted metacercariae of Euclinostomum heterostomum were found deeply embedded in the entire hepatic tissue due to which liver appeared thin, compressed and pale with yellowish- black nodules of encysted metacercariae. A space occupying cavity is created by the metacercarial cysts due to which tissue appeared in the form of lumps. Histo-architectural alterations induced by parasite included degeneration, compression and loosening of hepatic tissue with enucleated and deshaped hepatocytes.