Trichostrongylus

Epidemiology

• zoonotic infection of large herbivores such as cattle, sheep & goats
• found world wide
• 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

• human & other animals acquire infection by ingesting infectious larvae
• larvae do not penetrate the skin
• there is no migratory phase throught the lungs
• adult worms inhabit the small bowel & pass eggs in the feces

Clinical manifestations

• generally asymptomatic
• heavy infections may produce abdominal pain & diarrhea

Laboratory

• eosinophilia is generally present with heavy infestation
• diagnosis is made by recovery of eggs in feces
  • resemble eggs of hookworm, but are longer & narrower
  • measure 78-98 by 40-50 um
  • slightly tapered at one end

More general terms

• Trichostrongyloidea

More specific terms

• Trichostrongylus axei
• Trichostrongylus brevis
• Trichostrongylus colubriformis
• Trichostrongylus orientalis

Additional terms

• trichostrongyliasis