Equine Cestodes

Question 1

Anoplocephala perfoliata/magna-Hosts

Answer 1

Equine

Question 2

Anoplocephala perfoliata/magna-Identification

Answer 2

A. perfoliata:
Large, white, 4cm, rounded scolex with lappet behind each of 4 suckers
A. magna:
Larger, 80cm, no lappets
Eggs: 50-80um

Question 3

Anoplocephala perfoliata/magna-Life Cycle

Answer 3

Indirect. PPP = 1-2 mths
Mature segments pass in feces→ disintegrate and release eggs→ ingested by oribatid or forage mites→ devel. cysticercoid→ infected mite eaten by horse while grazing

Question 4

Anoplocephala perfoliata/magna-Site of Infection

Answer 4

A. perfoliata in cecum around ileocecal valve

A. magna in small intestine

Question 5

Anoplocephala perfoliata/magna-Pathogenesis and Lesions/Clinical Signs

Answer 5

No clinical signs with light infection
Heavy infection:
-Ill health, unthriftiness, intussusception of terminal ileum and cecum, partial occlusion of ileocecal valve, ulcerations with A. perfoliata

Question 6

Anoplocephala perfoliata/magna-Diagnosis

Answer 6

Eggs with centrifugation and flotation
Sedimentation test
ELISA test

Question 7

Anoplocephala perfoliata/magna-Treatment and Prevention

Answer 7

Praziquantel