Abstract
Background: The dromedary camel is a socio-economically important species in arid regions, and hepatic cirrhosis represents a major threat to its health and productivity. Despite its clinical relevance, a comprehensive pathomorphological description of cirrhosis in this species has been lacking. Methods: Liver samples from 24 adult dromedary camels (both sexes, aged approximately 6–12 years), with gross lesions suggestive of cirrhosis and 24 age-matched healthy controls were collected from an abattoir in El Oued, Algeria. Histochemical stains (H&E, Azan trichrome) and immunohistochemical markers for macrophages (CD68) and activated myofibroblasts (α-SMA) were applied. Quantitative histomorphometric analysis was conducted to determine tissue composition. Results: Macroscopically, cirrhotic livers showed a significant reduction in mass (8.12 ± 1.86 kg to 6.30 ± 1.25 kg, p < 0.01), accompanied by marked nodularity and a firm consistency. Histologically, normal hepatic architecture was replaced by fibrous septa and regenerative nodules. Immunohistochemistry confirmed increased CD68⁺ macrophages and α-SMA⁺ stellate cells in fibrotic areas. Morphometric analysis demonstrated a marked increase in the volume density (Vv) of connective tissue (33.25 ± 2.31% vs. 7.25 ± 2.65%, p < 0.001) accompanied by a significant reduction in the Vv of hepatocyte (54.34 ± 4.24% vs. 82.64 ± 4.87%, p < 0.001) in cirrhotic livers compared with controls. Conclusions: This study provides the first quantitative immunomorphometric characterization of hepatic cirrhosis in Algerian dromedary camels and establishes pathological benchmarks for diagnosis and future research.
Keywords
Dromedary, Cirrhosis, Hepatic pathology, Immunohistochemistry, Morphometry, Liver