Difference between revisions of "Metastrongylus"

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*Infection occurs when the earthworm is eaten.
 
*Infection occurs when the earthworm is eaten.
 
*Larvae migrate via the mesenteric lymph nodes to the lungs.
 
*Larvae migrate via the mesenteric lymph nodes to the lungs.
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 +
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*Found in [[Bronchi and Bronchioles Inflammatory - Pathology#Infectious causes of bronchitis or bronchiolitis|bronchioles and smaller bronchi]]
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*Grossly:
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**Small grey nodules, especially along ventral border of caudal lobes
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**Adult worms in bronchi and bronchioles
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*Histologically:
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**Catarrhal and eosinophilic bronchitis and bronchiolitis
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**Possibly [[Lungs Ventilation - Pathology#Atelectasis (Collapse)|atelectasis]]
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*Rarely becomes extensive
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*May transmit [[Respiratory Viral Infections - Pathology#Swine influenza|swine influenza]]
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[[Category:Metastrongyloidea]][[Category:Pig_Nematodes]]
 
[[Category:Metastrongyloidea]][[Category:Pig_Nematodes]]
 
[[Category:To_Do_-_Parasites]]
 
[[Category:To_Do_-_Parasites]]

Revision as of 09:36, 1 July 2010

Lungworms of Pigs

METASTRONGYLUS species

  • Found in the bronchioles and smaller bronchi.
  • Three species, but these are all very similar.
  • Look like the Dictyocaulus species in ruminants and produce similar pathology.
  • Very pathogenic and can cause severe lung damage.
  • Even low level infections will check growth.
  • Immunity develops quickly.
  • Larvated eggs with a wavy outline passed in faeces.
  • Intermediate host is the earthworm, therefore this only affects outdoor pigs.
  • Becoming more common with the trend towards free-range husbandry.
  • Infection occurs when the earthworm is eaten.
  • Larvae migrate via the mesenteric lymph nodes to the lungs.


  • Found in bronchioles and smaller bronchi
  • Grossly:
    • Small grey nodules, especially along ventral border of caudal lobes
    • Adult worms in bronchi and bronchioles
  • Histologically:
    • Catarrhal and eosinophilic bronchitis and bronchiolitis
    • Possibly atelectasis
  • Rarely becomes extensive
  • May transmit swine influenza