Parasites of the Neurological System Flashcards
Taenia multiceps types of parasites and disease
cestode (tapeworm) affecting canids and ungulates
causes coenurosis (“gid” or “staggers”)
Taenia multiceps pathogenesis
oncosphere –> metacestode larval stage in CNS –> large fluid-filled cysts in brain –> as cyst develops, damages neuro tissue –> can lead to pressure atrophy leading to skull perforation –> if form in spinal cord, can lead to paresis of hindlimbs
Acute Coenurosis CS
( infected with a lot of parasites all at once )
neurological dysfunction
CS within 10 days
death within 3-5 days of CS
acute meningoencephalitis and pale yellow tracts on brain surface
Chronic Coenurosis CS
more common
progressive focal lesion of the brain
compulsive circling
visual defects
stumbling
uncoordinated movements
postural defects
anorexia
weight loss
Taenia multiceps diagnosis ?
CS
CSF collection and analysis
local softening of skull frontal bones palpation
ultrasound
PME
presence of segments in perianal area or eggs in faeces
Taenia multiceps treatment
surgery to remove cyst has 85% success but not likely due to cost
Taenia multiceps control
regular anthelmintics, correct disposal of sheep carcasses, vaccine trial under development
Name the main species of eyeworms
Thelazia rhodesi in cows
Thelazia lacrymalis in horses
Thelazia callipaeda in carnivores
Eyeworms structure
1-2cm long nematodes (round worms)
thin
white-yellow
Eyeworms transmission
shed larvae in host teas, which are attractive to flies. Flies feed on host tears and hence pick up the larvae, where they can develop to L3. Once L3, they migrate to the fly mouth part and are deposited into another host’s conjunctival sac
Eyeworms CS
conjunctivitis
photophobia
cloudy and ulcerated corneas
swollen eye
flies clustered
Eyeworms diagnosis
conjunctivitis in fly season
observation of worms on surface of eye
Eyeworms treatment ?
anthelmintics
mechanical removal with forceps
Eyeworms control ?
fly control aimed at protecting face
Satcocystitis neurona structure and disease
protozoa of horses
causes equine protozoal myeloencephalitis (EPM)
