NationalLibraryOfScotland/medical-history-of-british-india huggingface dataset:
18
ENZOOTIC
BOVINE
PARAPLEGIA
[Vol. XXVI, Part I,
be offered for the incidence of cerebrospinal nematodiasis is that infestation of an
unnatural host by a nematode may not always be necessary and the condition may
even be produced by it in a normal host.
Though the definite identification of the nematode whose larvae and immature
forms were observed in the cerebrospinal system of acute cases of bovine paraplegia
and paralysis was not possible, the epidemiological aspects of the disease are highly
suggestive of some blood sucking insects playing a role in its transmission. In the
endemic area of Mysore State where bovine paraplegia is prevalent, a large number
of blood sucking flies are found and cattle are reported to be much harassed by them.
As a result of further investigation, some of the blood sucking flies may prove to
be the insect vectors in the transmission of the infective larvae.
SUMMARY
(1) Results of investigation of enzootic bovine paraplegia in Mysore State carried
out during the period of two years (1952-54) are detailed.
(2) The possibility of this obscure disease being an aberrent form of haemorr-
hagic septicaemia, contagious bovine pleuropneumonia, acute theileriasis, latent
trypanosomiasis or some specific virus disease, etc. is ruled out.
(3) Histopathological studies of the cerebro-spinal systems, particularly the
brain and the lumber portion of the spinal cord from affected animals, have revealed
that enzootic bovine paralysis in some Malnad tracts of Mysore State is associated
with cerebrospinal nematodiasis.
(4) This seems to be the first record of cerebrospinal nematodiasis among
bovines.
ACKNOWLEDGMENT
I am highly grateful to Dr. P. M. Narainswamy Naidu, Director of Animal
Husbandry in Mysore, Bangalore, for the encouragement and facilities provided
during this investigation and for his guidance in my research work. I am thankful
to Shri. M. R. Dhanda, Head of the Division of Pathology and Bacteriology,
Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Mukteswar, Kumaon for conducting biologi-
cal transmission experiments in laboratory animals. I am also thankful to Dr.
N. S. Krishna Rao, Parasitologist, Mysore Serum Institute, for his kind co-operation
in carrying out surra test, identification of insects, microscopic examination of the
nematode and preparation of camera lucida drawings. My thanks are due to Shri
H. S. Lakke Gowda, Nutritional Chemist, Mysore Serum Institute, for chemical
analysis of blood and to Sarvashri M. Veerabhadrappa, Photomicrographic Technician
and Shri M. Safeeulla, Research Scholar, Central College, Bangalore, for their help
in preparation of photomicrographs. Lastly I am thankful to Sarvashri V. S.
Kuppuswamy Mudaliar, Superintendent, Mysore Serum Institute, K. Srikantiah,
Assistant Director, Animal Husbandry, Shimoga, L. R. Phadki and B. S. Kuppu-
swamy, Veterinary Inspectors of the area for their co-operation in the course of
this investigation.
March, 1956]
SYED
MOHIYUDDEEN
19
REFERENCES
Bell, F. N. (1934). A microfilaria in the blood of cattle. J. Amer. vet. med. 38, 747-759
Bush, D. L. (1951). Lumber paralysis of bovine species in Japan reportedly caused by Setaria digitata.
J. Amer. vet. med. Ass., 68, 388-394
Crawford, M. (1939-42). Annual reprints. The Government Veterinary Surgeon, Ceylon
Duckworth J. and Godden W. (1941). I Biochem. J. 35, 816
Green, H. H. (1939). Recent Advances in our knowledge of diseases associated with Mineral Balance
in the Blood of Ruminants. Vet. Rec, 51, 1179
Innes, J. R. M. (1951). Necrotising Encephalomyelitis (or Encephalomyelomalacia) of unknown
etiology in goats in Ceylon with similarities to Setariasis of sheep, horses and goats in Japan.
Brit. vet. J., 107, 187
—(1952).
Cerebrospinal nematodiasis : A nervous disease of animals caused by imma-
ture Nematodiasis (Setaria digitata) and its relationship to Kumri or horses in India. Indian
vet. J., 29, 81-86
—,
Shoho, C. and Pillai, C. P. (1952). Epizootic Cerebrospinal Nematodiasis or Setaria-
sis, focal encephalomyelomalacia in animals in the orient caused by immature Setaria digitata
a disease which may occur in animals in other parts of the world. Brit. vet. J., 108, 71-88
————
(1953). The possible occurrence of Cerebrospinal Nematodiasis in Goats in India.
Ibid., 109, 451-455
Isii, S., Yajima et al. (1953). The Experimental reproduction of so-called lumber paralysis-Epizootic
Cerebrospinal Nematodiasis in Goats in Japan. Ibid., 109, 160-167
Kulkarni, H. V. (1952). An undiagnosed disease among cattle and buffaloes of the north Kanara
district. Indian vet. J., 28, 417-423
McGaughey, C. A. (1951). Necrotising Encephalomyelitis of Goats in Ceylon (Encephalomalacia of
goats, Goat paralysis). Brit. vet. J., 107, 449-451
McG Black, N. (1954). Magnesium Tetany. Modern Fmg, 119, 21-23
Neelkanta Iyer D. and Seetharaman, J. (1953). Bovine Paraplegia in south Kanara district, Madras,
State. Indian vet. J., 30, 138-142
Pillai, C. P. and Perera, S. G. E. (1953). Control of Epizootic Cerebrospinal Nematodiasis in Goats
Ceylon, vet. J., 2. 22-26
Ramakrishnan, M. and Ananthapadmanabhan, K. (1953). A preliminary note on Investigation into
Bovine paralysis in South Kanara District, Madras State. Indian vet. J., 29, 291-303
Ray, H. N. (1950). Use of Stilbamidine (M. & B. 744) in the diagnosis of latent trypanosomiasis.
Sci. Cult., 16, 33-34
Russel, F. C. (1944). Technical communication No. 15 of the Imperial Bureau of Animal Nutrition,
69-75
Sastry, S. A. (1948). A hidden disease of bovines in South Kanara District. Indian vet. J., 24, 296-
298
Shoho, C. (1952). Further observations on epizootic Cerebrospinal Nematodiasis—chemotherepeutic
control of the disease by 1-Diethyl carbomyl-4-Methyl piperazine citrate ; preliminary field
trials. Brit. vet. J., 108, 134-141
—(1954).
Prophylaxis and therapy in epizootic Cerebrospinal Nematodiasis of animals by
1-Diethyl carbomyl-4-Methyl piperazine dihydrogen citrate :—Report of a second field trial.
Vet. Med., 49, 459-462
Viswanathan G. R. (1946). Progress report of the Veterinary Disease Investigation Scheme, Madras
for the year 1946-47, 11-73 (original not seen)
A PRELIMINARY REPORT ON CYMBIFORMIASIS IN SHEEP
AND GOATS OF UTTAR PRADESH HILLS
By R. D. KATIYAR, Animal Husbandry Department, Lucknow
(Received for publication on May 10, 1955)
(With Plate V)
C YMBIFORMA indica [Bhalerao, 1942] belongs to the family Notocotylidae of
trematodes. Trematodes of Notocotylidae family are characterised by the absence
of ventral sucker. The eggs of these trematodes bear long filaments at both ends.
These parasites are usually found in the intestines of aquatic birds and mammals.
The Notocotylidae are generally regarded to be comparatively harmless. However,
Szidat reported that Catatropis dhner, 1905, which occurs in the caeca of the fowl,
duck, goose and wild aquatic birds attacks the mucosa of caeca and causes erosions.
Cymbiforma indicum was recorded first by Bhalerao in 19 2 in sheep, goats
and cattle in India. So far these parasites were considered harmless. Heavy
infestations with these trematodes have also escaped the notice of the workers.
From the investigations carried out in this State, Cymbiforma indica appears to be
a serious parasite of sheep and goats. Severe infestations with this parasite developed
quite rapidly during the winter season and inflicted heavy loss specially in sheep.
Two outbreaks due to heavy infestation with Cymbiforma indica have been en-
countered amongst the sheep of Kamaun hills during the past one year.
Heavy infestation of Rampur Bushair sheep of the Government Sheep Farm,
Gwaldam, district Garhwal, with Cymbiforma indica was detected for the first
time in February, 1954. The disease was limited to Rampur Bushair sheep that
had gone to Ali Bugiyal for summer grazing in 1953. Ali Bugiyal meadow is situated
about 1200 ft. above sea level in the Kumaun hills and about 15000 sheep and goats
are annually sent there from the surrounding villages for summer grazing, i.e. from
May to October. Twenty-five Rampur Bushair rams which were transferred in
December, 1953 from Gwaldam to the Stud Ram Centre, Badiakote, district Almora,
were also affected with Cymbiformiasis. These rams belonged to the same flock
of the Gwaldam Farm, which had gone to Bugiyal previous year. Merino and
Hissar dale rams which were not sent along with the Rampur Bushair sheep to Ali
Bugiyal escaped infestation with Cymbiforma indica. It appears that the Rampur
Bushair sheep got the infestation with the parasite at Ali Bugiyal.
Frequent intermittent snowfall with unusual heavy winter rains during the
months of January and February 1953, were responsible to a great extent for the
general deterioration in the condition of sheep at Gwaldam and Badiakote. This
lowered the vitality and coupled with heavy infestations with Cymbiforma indica
caused severe mortality among the sheep. Forty out of 215 sheep and 13 out of
25 rams died at Gwaldam and Badiakote respectively.
21
59 AR/55
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PLATE V
Indian J. vet. Sci., Vol. XXVI, PART I ]
FIG. 1. Cymbiforma indica
attached to the
small intestinal
mucous
mem-
brane.
FIG. 2. Cymbiforma indica
attached to the
small intestinal
mucous
mem-
brane.
FIG. 3. Microphotograph of Cymbiforma indica.
March, 1956]
R.
D.
KATIYAR
23
intestine on being opened was found full of these parasites Figs. I and II. In about
50 per cent cases haemorrhaegic enteritis was present with the blood tinged intestinal
contents. In the rest of the cases linear congestion of the intestinal mucous
membrane was noticed throughout the small intestine.
These minute trematodes—Cymbiforma indica—when fresh and living appeared
pinkish in colour with a white speck at one end due to the presence of the anterior
sucker. They were easily visible to the trained naked eye on washing the intestinal
contents several times. In 12 to 24 hours after the death of the host animals the
parasite died out and turned white. In this state they were seen with difficulty
and chances are that they may be missed during autopsy.
These parasites were found free in the intestinal contents as well as embedded
and adhered to the intestinal membrane. It appears that Cymbiforma indica get
detached soon after death. These intestinal trematodes after being collected and
washed were measured in a measuring cylinder. Their quantity varied from 2 to
8 oz. The parasites were taken in one dram lots and counted. On an average one
dram parasites numbered 20,000. The quantity of Cymbiforma indica found during
autopsies conducted on Kamaun sheep that died of other diseases never exceeded
4 drams.
No Cymbiforma indica were detected in the four stomachs and large intestine.
Few Oesophagostomum trigonocephalum and Chabertina ovina were seen in large
intestine in some cases.
The indentification of the parasites as Cymbiforma indica was confirmed by the
Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar.
Morphology of Cymbiforma indica
These minute trematodes when examined under the microscope were found to be
adult parasites full of eggs bearing long filaments at both the poles. The size of
the parasite varied from 0.6—2.5 by 0.3—0.84 mm. The adult parasites were pear
shaped and concave ventrally. The eggs of the Cymbiforma indica, when fresh,
were greenish in colour. The one side of the egg was more convex than the other
which is almost straight or slightly convex. The filament of one end was longer
than the filament at the other end. The eggs measured 20-40 by 11-14 M. Fig. 3.
Degeneration of the parasites
Small pieces of small intestines together with the intestinal contents containing
Cymbiforma indica were tied at the both ends and were examined after 4, 8, 12 and 24
hours. It was noticed that no degeneration and disintegration of the parasites
occurred upto 8 hours. However, there was noticeable reduction in the number
of parasites after 12 hours. So degeneration of the parasite appears to take place
after the death of the host animal. This degeneration after the death of the animal
does not appear so soon as to escape the notice of the worker conducting autopsy.
Cymbiforma indica were even found in plenty in a Rampur Bushair ram No. 38
which died of Cymbiformiasis and was autopsied after 48 hours of death.
24
A PRELIMINARY REPORT ON CYMBIFORMIASIS [Vol. XXVI, Part I,
Histopathology
Small pieces of intestines from four sheep which died of Cymbiformiasis were
forwarded in 10 per cent formalin to the Indian Veterinary Research Institute,
Mukteswar for histopathological examination which showed evidence of superficial
necorsis and marked cellular reaction with eosinophilic infiltration. In three cases
navicular or boat shaped helminthic ova have been detected in the mucous mem-
brane. Focal leucocytic infiltration into the mucosa were also seen.
Faecal examination
Faecal examination of rectal samples of faeces from affected cases revealed the
presence of numerous filamented eggs of greenish colour. The maximum number
of eggs of Cymbiforma indica seen in a single field under the low power of the micros-
cope was 10.
Examination of faeces from 30 sheep and 30 goats under microscope at Ali Bugiyal
(height 12000 ft. above sea level) also showed that about 25 per cent sheep and
goats were infested with Cymbiforma indica. The infestation of sheep and goats
with Cymbiforma indica was confirmed by three autopsies conducted at Bugiyal.
Cultural and other examination
Cultures were prepared from heart blood, lungs, liver and spleen at the time of
post-mortems. Examination of these cultures did not show any organism of patho-
logical significance.
Transmissions were tried in two healthy young sheep by intravenous injections
of 10 c.c. of blood taken from affected sheep. The inoculated sheep were kept under
observation for 10 days. These experimental sheep did not develop any signs of
illness.
Pathogenicity
Manifestation of clinical symptoms accompanied with pathological lesions and
mortality in the affected animals is indicative that these intestinal trematodes—
Cymbiforma indica—cause heavy mortality in sheep when they are present in large
number. It appears that in conjunction with the predisposing causes, i.e. poor
nutrition, adverse climatic condition, strain caused by long road marches, these
parasites assume a more pathogenic significance.
Seasonal incidence. Heavy infestations with Cymbiforma indica occurred from
November to February.
Localities affected. So far infestation of sheep and goats with Cymbiforma indica
has been detected in Garhwal district and Chakrata hills of Dehra Dun district of
U. P. hills. Enquiries made show that cymbiformiasis is present throughout the
Kamuan hills of Uttar Pradesh. Fifteen out of 176 newly purchased Rampur
Bushair sheep were detected carrying filamented eggs of cymbiforma indica on the
microscopic examination of the rectal samples of faeces just after two weeks of
their arrival from Himachal Pradesh in the month of December, 1954. Last year
four Rampur Bushair sheep out of the purchased lot of 150 from Himachal Pradesh
died on their arrival at Gwaldam. On autopsy heavy infestations with cymbiforma
indica were detected.
March, 1956]
R.
D.
KATIYAR
25
Treatment. Treatment was undertaken with carbon-tetrachloride and hexachlo-
roethane. All the sheep of the Government Sheep Farm, Gwaldam were divided
into two equal groups. One group was administered carbon tetrachloride in the
doses of 1 to 2 c.c. with 4-8 c.c. of liquid paraffin. Hexachloroethane was given to
the other group in the doses of 2 to 4 drams. Administration of both the drugs was
immediately preceded by dosing the sheep with 10 c.c. of 5 per cent copper sul-
phate solution to close the oesophageal groove and to allow the passage of the drug
direct into abomasum. Treatment was repeated after 21 days. Efficacy of the
anthelmintics was checked by faecal examination and post-mortem examination of
animals that died after treatment. The second dose of anthelmintics stopped
the mortality and saved 60 per cent of the clinically affected sheep. Faeces were
found negative for the filamented eggs. No fresh clinical cases occurred even after
the first dosing.
In five cases tetra-chloroethylene was tried without any appreciable benefit.
All the remaining 25 stud rams at Kaisi out of which five were showing clinical
symptoms of cymbiformiasis, were treated with carbontetrachloride in the doses
of 2 c.c. with 8 c.c. of liquid paraffin. Administration of carbontetrachloride was
immediately preceded by dosing with 10 c.c. of 5 per cent solution of copper sulphate.
Two out of the five clinically affected rams died and the rest three recovered. The
treatment was repeated after three weeks. No case of cymbiformiasis developed
after that.
The above line of treatment undoubtedly controlled the outbreaks of Cym-
biformiasis. Both carbon tetrachloride and hexachloroethane proved equally
satisfactory in combating cymbiformiasis.
SUMMARY
1. Two outbreaks of Cymbiformiasis amongst the sheep of Uttar Pradesh hills
are described.
2. Heavy infestation of intestines of sheep with Cymbiforma indica, produce
a serious diseased condition accompanied with heavy mortality. These trematodes
were considered so far harmless.
3. The duration of illness lasted 4 to 8 days with the clinical symptoms of anae-
mia, debility and diarrhoea. In some cases the oedematous swelling in the lower
jaw was noticed.
4. Muco-purulent enteritis with minute trematodes—Cymbiforma indica—millions
in number were found in the first 40 ft. of the small intestine. These parasites,
when fresh and living, appeared pinkish in colour with a white speck at one ond.
The parasites were found free in the intestinal contents as well as embeded and
adhered to the intestinal membrane. No other endoparasites were present con-
stantly in any significant numbers.
5. Histopathological examination of intestine of the animal that died of cymbi-
formiasis showed superficial necrosis and marked cellular reaction with eosinophilic
infiltration. Navicular or boat shaped helminthic ova were detected in the mucous
membrane.
59 AR/55
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26
A PRELIMINARY REPORT ON CYMBIFORMIASIS [Vol. XXVI, Part I
6. Hexachloroethane and carbon-tetrachloride were found equally efficacious
in combating cymbiformiasis. Tetra-chloroethylene was tried without any appreci-
able-result.
7. This preliminary study indicates that Cymbiforma indica assumes pathogeni-
city when present in large number and causes heavy mortality amongst sheep of
Uttar Pradesh hills.
ACKNOWLEDGMENT
I am exceedingly grateful to Dr R. L. Kaura, Director of Animal Husbandry,
U. P. for his guidance and the facilities given for the above work and also for his
valuable suggestions in writing this note. Thanks are due to Shri G. P. Singh, Veteri-
nary Assistant Surgeon, attached to the Assistant Disease Investigation Officer
(sheep and goats) for assistance rendered in the above work. I am also thankful
to the Indian Council of Agricultural Research, New Delhi, for the grant of the
scheme under which this work was carried out.
REFERENCES
Bhalerao, G. D. (1942). Parasitology, 34, 2, 133-137
Monining, H. O. (1942). Veterinary Helminthology and Entomology of Domestic Animals, III edition
STUDIES ON THE CERCARIAL FAUNA IN MADRAS-IV
THE AMPHISTOME AND GYMNOCEPHALOUS GROUPS OF CERCARIAE*
By C. T. PETER, G.M.V.C., PH.D., Indian Veterinary Research Institute,
Izatnagar
(Received for publication on August 17, 1955)
A MONG the many forms of cercariae met with in an extensive study of the
trematode infection in fresh-water snails in the city of Madras made during
1947-49, four were of the amphistome group and three of the gymnocephalous
group. They are enumerated below under their respective groups :
(a) Amphistome group
(i) Cercariae indicae xxvi Sewell, 1922
(ii) C. indicae
Sewell, 1922
(iii) Cercaria kylasami Rao, 1932
(iv) C. gastrodisci secundi Peter and Mudaliar, 1948
(b) Gymnocephalous group
(i) Cercariae indicae iii Sewell, 1922
(ii) C. indicae vii Sewell, 1922
(iii) C. indicae viii Sewell, 1922
Excepting Cercariae indicae xxix which was discharged by Limnaea luteola f.
succinea (Deshayes), the other three amphistomes were found developing in Indo-
planorbis exustus (Deshayes) and all the gymnocephalous species in Melanoides
tuberculatus (Muller).
THE AMPHISTOME CERCARIAE
These are amongst the largest known cercariae having a powerful muscular
tail and a prominent body with two conspicuous eye-spots, a body-wall carrying
cystogenous cells and in many cases dark pigment granules, a well-defined posteriorly-
situated acetabulum, a triclad digestive tract and two main excretory trunks packed
with globular refractile granules. They develop in redial parthenitae, are born
immature and complete their development in the tissue of the host before they
are discharged into the surrounding medium of water. They encyst readily in the
open.
The accepted classification of the amphistome cercariae at present is that of
Sewell [1922], who created two sub-groups, viz. the ' Pigmentata ' and the ' Diplo-
cotylea ', the main distinguishing feature of the two being the presence of an excretory
cross-connection in the former and the absence of the same in the latter. Based
*Part of a thesis approved by the University of Madras for the Degree of Master of Science
27
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STUDIES ON THE CERCARIAL FAUNA-IV
[Vol. XXVI, Part I,
on this scheme, Cercariae indicae xxvi and C. indicae xxix come under the ' Pigmen-
tata' and Cercaria kylasami and C. gastrodisci secundi under the ' Diplocotylea '.
Excepting the latter species, the other three as well as Cercaria fraseri Buckley, [1939],
which was not encountered during the present studies, were known to occur pre-
viously in the city of Madras [Rao, 1932 a and b ; Anantaraman and Balasubra-
maniam, 1949].
Cercariae indicae XXVI Sewell, 1922
Amongst the known amphistome cercariae in India, Cercariae indicae xxvi appears
to be the one enjoying wide distribution throughout the country. It was first
described by Sewell [1922] who recorded it from Calcutta and Malabar. Subse-
quently, Rao [1932b] and Anantaraman and Balasubramaniam [1949] obtained it
from Madras City, while Bhalerao [1943], from Hyderabad. In every case, Indo-
planorbis exustus was found to act as the molluscan host. Out of a total of 3,863
specimens of I. exustus examined during the present investigation, 3.5 per cent of
them discharged this larva, which constituted about one-half of the amphistome
infection and nearly one-third of the total cercarial infection in the snail species in
the city of Madras.
Rao and Ayyar [1932] believed that the adult fluke of this cercaria, which they
had raised by experimental means, was referable to Paramphistomum cervi (Zeder);
whereas, Pande [1935] and Mudaliar [1945] thought that the larva would develop
into Cotylophoron cotylophorum (Fischdr) and it was experimentally proved to be
the case by Bhalerao [1945]. On the contrary, Bennett [1936], Srivastava [1938]
and Sinha [1950] who studied the life-history of C. cotylophorum in detail described
its cercaria as distinct from Cercariae indicae xxvi. Actual relationship, if any, of
this larva to C. cotylophorum thus still remains to be elucidated.
Cercariae indicae XXIX Sewell, 1922
This amphistome larva is found to develop in more than one species of snail host.
Sewell [1922] first obtained it from Limnaea acuminata and Gyraulus euphraticus
in Calcutta and from L. succinia in Malabar ; whereas, Rao [1932b] and Vaidyana-
than [1941] in Madras, and Bhalerao [1943] in Hyderabad recorded it from Limnaea
luteola. During the present studies, only L. succinea was found harbouring this
cercaria in Madras City, the percentage of infected snails being 5.4 in 1,545 indivi-
duals examined.
C. indicae xxix has been shown to give rise to Fischoederius elongatus (Poirier) by
Rao and Ayyar [1932] and Vaidyanathan [1941].
Cercaria kylasami Rao, 1932
Rao [1932a] first obtained this cercaria from Indoplanorbis exustus in Madras
City. In comparison to the other amphistome cercariae in I. exustus, the frequency
of occurrence of this larva has been found by the author to be the lowest,
only 0.3 per cent of the snails carrying the infection.