EVOLUTION OF LYMPH THROMBI IN EXPERIMENTAL BRUGIA MALAYI INFECTIONS: A SCANNING ELECTRON MICROSCOPIC STUDY

RC Fader, A Ewert

Abstract


Lymph thrombi in cats experimentally-infected
with Brugia malayi were examined by
scanning electron microscopy. A variety of
morphological forms were noted and it appeared
that thrombi undergo a maturation process
characterized by at least three transitional
phases. Initially, the thrombus consists of
erythrocytes encased in fibrin (Phase I). Phase
II thrombi are characterized by the appearance
of phagocytic cells and fibroblasts on the surface
of the thrombus. At the end of the maturation
process, the thrombus surface consists solely of
fibroblasts or endothelial cells, perhaps derived
from the vessel wall (Phase III). Occlusion of the
lymphatic lumen by thrombi and the accompanying
inflammatory response triggered by B.
malayi infection may be a major factor in the
pathogenesis of lymph stasis in this disorder.


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