Metastrongylus spp. (1)

Question 1

What are the final hosts?

Answer 1

Pigs

Question 2

What are the intermediate hosts?

Answer 2

Earthworms

Question 3

Describe an adult

Answer 3

Slender

White

Up to 6 cm long

In small bronchi and bronchioles

Question 4

Describe eggs

Answer 4

Contain L1

51-63 x 33-42 micro m

Slightly irregular exterior are seen in fecal float

Question 5

Describe the life cycle

Answer 5

Adults in small bronchi and bronchioles

Eggs containing L1

Pass up the trachea, swallowed, excreted with feces

Eggs ingested by earthworms

L1 develops to a L3 inside earthworm

Pig consumes earthworm with L3

L3 released and migrates to mesenteric lymph nodes

Migrates via lymphatic route

Question 6

What is the site of infection?

Answer 6

Small bronchi and bronchioles

Question 7

What are the Pathogenesis and clinical signs?

Answer 7

Secondary infections

Fatal cases can occur

Traumatic lesions during migration

Chronic bronchitis

Emphysema can develop

Young animals (4-6 months old)

 - Coughing
 - Nasal discharge
 - Dyspnea

Most infections are light and asymptomatic

Question 8

How do you diagnose?

Answer 8

Egg with L1 in fecal flotation

Question 9

How do you treat and prevent?

Answer 9

Young pigs severely affected

Long lasting exposure due to earthworm reservoir

Several Anthelmintics

Question 10

What is the common name?

Answer 10

Pig Lungworm