Metastrongylosis

Metastrongylosis
Synonyms
Pronounce	N/A
Specialty	Infectious disease, Veterinary medicine
Symptoms	Coughing, dyspnea, weight loss
Complications	Pneumonia, respiratory failure
Onset
Duration
Types
Causes	Metastrongylus species
Risks	Exposure to infected pigs or wild boar
Diagnosis	Fecal examination, bronchoscopy, chest X-ray
Differential diagnosis	Bacterial pneumonia, lungworm infection
Prevention	Proper sanitation, control of intermediate hosts
Treatment	Anthelmintics such as ivermectin
Medication
Prognosis	Generally good with treatment
Frequency	Rare in humans, more common in swine
Deaths	N/A

Metastrongylosis is a parasitic disease caused by the nematodes of the genus Metastrongylus. These parasites primarily infect swine, but can also infect other animals and humans. The disease is characterized by respiratory symptoms, including coughing and difficulty breathing.

Etiology

The causative agents of metastrongylosis are nematodes of the genus Metastrongylus. There are several species within this genus that can cause disease, including Metastrongylus apri, Metastrongylus pudendotectus, and Metastrongylus salmi. These parasites have a complex life cycle that involves a definitive host (usually a pig) and an intermediate host (usually an earthworm).

Epidemiology

Metastrongylosis is a global disease, but it is most common in areas where pigs are raised outdoors and have access to soil. The disease is transmitted when pigs ingest earthworms infected with Metastrongylus larvae. Humans can also become infected if they accidentally ingest infected earthworms or contaminated soil.

Clinical Signs and Diagnosis

The main clinical signs of metastrongylosis in pigs are respiratory symptoms, such as coughing and difficulty breathing. In severe cases, the disease can cause death. Diagnosis is usually based on the presence of Metastrongylus eggs in the feces of the infected animal.

Treatment and Control

Treatment for metastrongylosis involves the use of anthelmintic drugs, such as ivermectin. Control measures include preventing pigs from ingesting infected earthworms and contaminated soil.

See Also

• Parasitic diseases
• Nematodes
• Swine diseases