Changes in serum protein values of sheep infected with Fasciola gigantica.

Serum protein values were determined in 6 lambs given 1 dose of 200 metacercariae of Fasciola gigantica. Over the 22 weeks of the experiment, total serum protein values in these lambs were only moderately increased over those of control lambs (n = 6). The increase was mainly associated with the change in alpha2-globulin and gamma-globulin fractions. The highest value of gamma-globulin (39.03%) of total serum protein was observed at 18 weeks after infection. Mean albumin concentration in the exposed lambs decreased considerably, starting in week 8 and persisting until the end of the experiment. The lowest level (39.28%) was seen at week 16.