Early migration of immature Fasciola hepatica and associated liver pathology in cattle.

Immature Fasciola hepatica were successfully recovered from the body cavity of cattle from two to 21 days after oral infection. Flukes had penetrated the liver in large numbers by day 7 but there did not appear to be a corresponding reduction in the numbers recovered from the body cavity. Liver pathology showed a typical progressive tissue disruption with a neutrophil and lymphocyte infiltration by day 7 and a marked eosinophil response from day 14. The mesothelium of the liver capsule underwent metaplasia, becoming ultimately highly active and columnar.