− | Examination of faeces for liver fluke eggs is also useful, and may be complemented by laboratory tests. Firstly the measurement of Glutamate dehydrogenase (GLDH) is used. This is an enzyme released by damaged hepatic cells, and levels become elevated within the first few weeks of infection. Another test commonly used is measuring the glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT), and this indicates damage to the epithelial cells of the bile ducts, and is seen later in the cycle, and maintained for a longer duration.
| + | A simple and effective test for ''[[Fasciola hepatica]]'' infection is examination of the faeces for fluke eggs. These are large, ovoid and golden brown, but may be few in number and thus difficult to find. It must also be remembered that eggs are produced only by adult flukes, and so will not be detectable in acute disease. |
− | An [[ELISA]] can also be used in the detection process. It identifies antibodies against flukes in the serum and milk samples, and is deemd to be extremely reliable in this case.
| + | Measurement of serum glutamate dehydrogenase (GLDH) and/or glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT) levels may prove useful. GLDH is an enzyme released by damaged hepatic cells and becomes elevated within the first few weeks of infection. GGT indicates damage to the epithelial cells lining the bile ducts and rises later in disease, although high levels are maintained for longer. Fluke serology is possible by means of a reliable ELISA test that identifies anti-fluke antibodies in the serum or in milk. |