Capillaria

Capillaria spp.
Kingdom	Animalia
Phylum	Nematoda
Class	Adenophorea
Sub-class	Enoplia
Order	Trichurida
Super-family	Trichuroidea
Family	Trichinellidae
Genus	Capillaria
Species	Many

Overview

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

Capillaria spp. are similar to other members of the Trichuroidea superfamily such as Trichuris but with slight differences in morphology of the anterior and posterior ends. Although they are found in domestic mammals these species are of greatest importance in birds. The predilection sites vary between species and are not restricted to the gastrointestinal system. Important species include; C. annulata, C. anatis and C. contorta.

Identification

Capillaria are extremely thin, filamentous worms measuring 15-25mm long in males and 35-80mm long in females. Males have a single spicule and many have a primitive bursa like structure

• Capillaria aerophila in respiratory disease of cats and dogs
  • In nasal passages, sinuses, trachea and bronchi of cats and dogs
  • Some dogs cough but often no symptoms
  • Mild catharral inflammation
  • In heavy infestation may cause obstruction of the lumen of airways and may develop into secondary bronchopneumonia