Trichostrongylus

Epidemiology: 1) zoonotic infection of large herbivores such as cattle, sheep & goats 2) found world wide 3) eggs passed in the feces hatch larvae which are ingested by definitive hosts Species that infect humans include: T. axei, T. brevis, T. colubriformis & T. orientalis. Pathology: 1) human & other animals acquire infection by ingesting infectious larvae 2) larvae do not penetrate the skin 3) there is no migratory phase throught the lungs 4) adult worms inhabit the small bowel & pass eggs in the feces Clinical manifestations: 1) generally asymptomatic 2) heavy infections may produce abdominal pain & diarrhea Laboratory: 1) eosinophilia is generally present with heavy infestation 2) diagnosis is made by recovery of eggs in feces a) resemble eggs of hookworm, but are longer & narrower b) measure 78-98 by 40-50 um c) slightly tapered at one end

Specific

Trichostrongylus axei Trichostrongylus brevis Trichostrongylus colubriformis Trichostrongylus orientalis

Properties

KINGDOM: animal PHYLUM: helminth

References

Clinical Diagnosis & Management by Laboratory Methods, 19th edition, J.B. Henry (ed), W.B. Saunders Co., Philadelphia, PA. 1996, pg 1285