Lymph nodes of red deer infected with subcutaneous filariae Wehrdikmansia cervipedis (Wehr et Dikmans, 1935) and Onchocerca flexuosa (Wedl, 1856).

Abstract

Histological examinations of the Lnn. cervicales superficiales and subilici in red deer infested with subcutaneous filariae (Wehrdikmansia cervipedis and Onchocerca flexuosa) revealed microfilariae in several of these nodes. These were located in the sinuses (mainly the marginal), septa, trabeculae, and frequently close to blood vessels or in their wall. These microfilariae evoked a chronic sclerosing lymphadenitis; in one instance there was thrombo-lymphadenitis of an afferent lymphatic vessel. No significant difference was found in the reaction of the nodes to infection by W. cervipedis and to a mixed invasion of W. cervipedis and O. flexuosa.