Lungworm

Question 1

List the important epidemiological factors in lungworm in dogs?

Answer 1

The presence of intermediate hosts (e.g. slugs and snails)

Presence of reservoirs (e.g. foxes)

Question 2

List the important epidemiological factors in lungworm in cattle?

Answer 2

• Wet and humid climate
• Presence of the fungus pilobolus
• Immunologically naive populations who haven’t been vaccinated or weren’t exposed to low levels of natural challenge during their first grazing season

Question 3

What are the relevant tests for lung worm

Answer 3

Absolute diagnosis is difficult and involves a variety of diagnostic methods

• Blood samples- for DNA, complete blood count
• Analysis of faeces for eggs and larvae
• chest x-rays
• Bronchoscopy
• Bronchoalveolar lavage
• Lung ausculation
• Tracheal wash

Question 4

List the important immunological processes involved in lungworm disease

Answer 4

Varies depending on the type of lungworm

Eosinophils migrate into the lungs

Question 5

List the important immunological processes involved in parasitic pneumonia

Answer 5

Infection of the lungs by parasites
Rare cause of pneumonia
Mainly seen in dogs
An immune response to lungworm can lead to inflammation of the lungs damaging the mucous membranes of the bronchial tubes (inhalation of irritants may cause pneumonia directly)

Question 6

What is the immunological response to angiostrongyliasis in dogs

Answer 6

Humoral (B-cell) response
Antibodies present
Presence of immunoglobulins IgA, IgG and IgM

Question 7

What is the immunological response to dictyocaulus in cattle

Answer 7

Cell mediated (T helper cell) response
Cytokines present
Presence of parasite- specific immunoglobulins IgG1 and IgG2