The inflammatory reaction surrounding Taenia solium larvae in pig muscle: ultrastructural and light microscopic observations

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Abstract
An inflammatory reaction with the general characteristics of a chronic granuloma surrounding T. solium larvae in pig muscle is described. Larvae with an inflammatory capsule were obtained at slaughter from pigs 6-8 mo. old and were processed for light microscopy and EM. Eosinophils (granulocytes with orange staining and peroxidase-positive granules) were degranulated and in close contact with the parasite surface. Histiocytes, epithelioid cells, macrophages and lymphocytes were also evident, as were large numbers of plasma cells in the outer areas of the well-circumscribed reaction. The parasites were ultrastructurally intact, with a normal tegument and only occasional changes in the microvesicles. The results are discussed with reference to parasite survival in the host.