Changes

The larval stages are migratory, moving through several organ systems before becoming adults. This is the stage of the parasite that is mainly responsible for the clinical signs of ''A. suum'' infection. The larvae hatches from the egg at the L2 stage, from here is migrates from the small intestine to the liver via the hepatic portal vein. Whilst migrating through the liver the larvae create haemorrhagic tracts, these are later repaired with fibrous tissue causing the appearance of '''milk spots'''. From the liver the larvae move to the heart and lungs where they cause the major clinical signs of ''A. suum'' infection. In the heart a high worm burden will seriously reduce the cardiac output and may also cause blockage which can be fatal. The presence of larvae in lungs can lead to diffuse [[Interstitial Pneumonia|interstitial pneumonia]] with haemorrhage, [[Atelectasis|atelectasis]], [[Pulmonary Oedema|interlobular oedema]] and [[Pulmonary Emphysema|emphysema]]. The larvae in the lungs will move up towards the trachea which will stimulate the coughing reflex and cause them to be coughed up into the pigs mouth to be reswallowed as adults into the gastrointestinal system.<br/>

The larval stages are migratory, moving through several organ systems before becoming adults. This is the stage of the parasite that is mainly responsible for the clinical signs of ''A. suum'' infection. The larvae hatches from the egg at the L2 stage, from here is migrates from the small intestine to the liver via the hepatic portal vein. Whilst migrating through the liver the larvae create haemorrhagic tracts, these are later repaired with fibrous tissue causing the appearance of '''milk spots'''. From the liver the larvae move to the heart and lungs where they cause the major clinical signs of ''A. suum'' infection. In the heart a high worm burden will seriously reduce the cardiac output and may also cause blockage which can be fatal. The presence of larvae in lungs can lead to diffuse [[Interstitial Pneumonia|interstitial pneumonia]] with haemorrhage, [[Atelectasis|atelectasis]], [[Pulmonary Oedema|interlobular oedema]] and [[Pulmonary Emphysema|emphysema]]. The larvae in the lungs will move up towards the trachea which will stimulate the coughing reflex and cause them to be coughed up into the pigs mouth to be reswallowed as adults into the gastrointestinal system.<br/>

'''Adults'''<br/>

'''Adults'''<br/>

Adult worms reproduce in the smill intestine of pigs. The females are able to produce up to 200,000 eggs per day for a period of 9 months.

Adult worms reproduce in the small intestine of pigs. The females are able to produce up to 200,000 eggs per day for a period of 9 months.

=== Epidemiology ===

=== Epidemiology ===