Abstract

Strongyloidiasis is caused by Strogyloides spp., which occurs when the parasite reaches the intestines. It is estimated that more than 370 million people throughout the world are infected with this disease. The aim of this study was to analyze the morphometric alterations and variation in the count of goblet cells of the jejunum of sinantropic rodents infected by Strongyloides spp., and to compare with non-infected rodents. 157 rodents of the species of Rattus rattus were captured. After identifying the intestinal parasite, 20 rodents were selected. The criteria used were: animals  between 20 and 25 cm (n=10), 5 females and 5 males infected by Strongyloides spp. and 5 females and 5 males (n=10) without the parasite. Sedimentation technique was used to identify the parasite. Morphometric and quantitative analysis of the intestinal wall was done through histological processing. In male and female infected rats, the followings were observed: smaller villus height, crypt depth increased, smaller villus area and a larger number of goblet cells in the crypts of the jejunum. The morphologic alterations of the jejunum wall may impair nutrient absorption process.

Key words: Goblet cells, crypts, jejunum, sinantropic rodents, villi.