Strongyloides

Strongyloides stercoralis - Courtesy of the Laboratory of Parasitology, University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine

Strongyloides stercoralis - Joaquim Castellà Veterinary Parasitology Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona

Strongyloides larvae - Joaquim Castellà Veterinary Parasitology Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona

Strongyloides - Joaquim Castellà Veterinary Parasitology Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona

STRONGYLOIDES WESTERI

General

• Rhabditoid, small intestine.
• Commonest in foals <6months old.
• FIRST PARASITE TO WHICH FOALS ARE EXPOSED.

Morphology

• <6mm long, similar to small trichostrongyles.
• Only female worms parasitic.
• Long oesophagus (up to one third of body length).

Life-Cycle

• Parasitic and free-living (non-parasitic) phases.
• Prepatent period 1week (embryonated egg, 50-60µm).
• Infection by:
  • ingestion of L3 in mare's milk or grass; and
  • skin penetration.

Pathogenicity

• Foals - severe enteritis, diarrhoea (heavy burdens).
• Adults - normally immune; may act as carriers, e.g. mare.

Control

• Regular anthelmintic treatment.
• Good hygiene.