Capillaria aerophila
Capillaria aerophila
Capillaria aerophila (pronounced: ka-pill-AR-ee-uh air-OH-fill-uh) is a species of parasitic nematode that primarily infects the respiratory system of various mammals, including dogs, cats, and foxes. It is also known as the "lungworm" due to its predilection for the lungs.
Etymology
The name Capillaria aerophila is derived from Latin, with "capillaria" meaning "hair-like" and "aerophila" meaning "air-loving". This refers to the worm's thin, hair-like appearance and its preference for the air-filled lungs of its host.
Life Cycle
The life cycle of Capillaria aerophila begins when the adult female worm lays eggs in the lungs of the host. These eggs are then coughed up and swallowed by the host, and are passed out in the feces. Once in the environment, the eggs develop into infective larvae. When a new host ingests these larvae, they migrate to the lungs and mature into adult worms, completing the life cycle.
Symptoms and Diagnosis
Infection with Capillaria aerophila can cause a range of symptoms, including coughing, difficulty breathing, and weight loss. Diagnosis is typically made by examining a fecal sample under a microscope for the presence of Capillaria aerophila eggs.
Treatment and Prevention
Treatment for Capillaria aerophila infection typically involves the use of anthelmintic drugs, such as fenbendazole or ivermectin. Prevention involves regular deworming and avoiding areas where infected feces may be present.
Related Terms
- Nematode: A type of worm that includes many parasitic species.
- Parasite: An organism that lives on or in a host and gets its food from or at the expense of its host.
- Anthelmintic: A drug that expels parasitic worms (helminths) from the body, by either stunning or killing them.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Capillaria aerophila
- Wikipedia's article - Capillaria aerophila
This WikiMD dictionary article is a stub. You can help make it a full article.
Languages: - East Asian
中文,
日本,
한국어,
South Asian
हिन्दी,
Urdu,
বাংলা,
తెలుగు,
தமிழ்,
ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian
Indonesian,
Vietnamese,
Thai,
မြန်မာဘာသာ,
European
español,
Deutsch,
français,
русский,
português do Brasil,
Italian,
polski