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haemonchiasis

Description

Haemonchiasis: A Severe Parasitic Disease

Haemonchiasis, also known as haemonchosis or barber's pole worm disease, is a highly pathogenic and severe parasitic disease caused by the blood-feeding nematode Haemonchus contortus. This parasite infects sheep, goats, deer, and cattle, particularly in warmer parts of the world [8][9].

Physical Characteristics

Haemonchus contortus is a cylindrical nematode with a cuticle composed of three main outer layers made of collagen and other compounds [2]. The parasite has a distinctive "barber's pole" appearance due to its striped cuticle, which gives it its common name.

Pathogenesis

The pathogenesis of haemonchiasis is primarily caused by the blood-sucking activity of Haemonchus contortus. As a single worm ingests up to 50 µL of blood per day [6], it can lead to significant anaemia and hypoproteinaemia in infected animals. Large numbers of worms can cause widespread subcutaneous edema, marked pallor of mucous membranes and internal tissues, and even death [4][13].

Economic Significance

Haemonchiasis is considered the most economically significant parasite of sheep and goats throughout much of the United States and the world due to its severity and emerging anthelmintic resistance [13]. It also affects New World camelids and can be a common cause of death in these species.

In summary, haemonchiasis is a severe parasitic disease caused by Haemonchus contortus that infects sheep, goats, deer, and cattle. Its pathogenesis is primarily due to the blood-sucking activity of the parasite, leading to significant anaemia and hypoproteinaemia in infected animals.

References: [1] KV Arsenopoulos (2021) - Cited by 117 [2] Physical Description [3] I Adduci (2022) - Cited by 45 [4] Animals with haemonchosis have marked pallor of mucous membranes and internal tissues. [5] TM Quyen [6] by I Adduci · 2022 · Cited by 45 — Haemonchus contortus is a blood-sucking nematode that feeds on blood from capillaries in the abomasum of ruminants [4]. [7] Haemonchus contortus is a virulent, blood-feeding nematode, which damages the third compartmental and abomasal mucosa in camelids and small ruminants, [8] Haemonchus contortus infects sheep, goats, deer, and cattle especially in warmer parts of the world. [9] Haemonchosis is a common and severe disease of the ruminant abomasum in many parts of the world. [10] Haemonchus placei occurs mainly in cattle. [11] Large numbers of Haemonchus administered to sheep cause ... [12] Haemonchosis also affects New World camelids. [13] Haemonchus contortus is the most economically significant parasite of sheep and goats throughout much of the United States and the world, due to the severity of the parasitism and the emerging anthelmintic resistance.

Additional Characteristics

  • Hemophiliasis
  • haemonchosis
  • barber's pole worm disease
  • a highly pathogenic and severe parasitic disease caused by the blood-feeding nematode Haemonchus contortus.
  • a highly pathogenic and severe parasitic disease caused by the blood-feeding nematode Hemophiliasis.
  • hemocheziasis
  • hemophilosis
  • hemocheosis
  • parasitic disease caused by Hemophiliasis.
  • a severe parasitic disease caused by Hemophiliasis.
  • a severe parasitic disease caused by the blood-feeding nematode Hemophiliasis.
  • a highly pathogenic and severe parasitic disease caused by Hemophiliasis.
  • a parasitic disease caused by Hemophiliasis.

Signs and Symptoms

Haemonchiasis, also known as Haemonchosis or Barber Pole Worm Disease, is a parasitic infection caused by the Haemonchus contortus nematode in ruminants.

The signs and symptoms of haemonchiasis can vary depending on the severity of the infection and the individual animal's response to the parasite.

Common clinical signs include:

  • Failure to thrive and weight loss [3]
  • Anemia, hypoproteinemia, and weakness [4]
  • Diarrhea, bloat, or constipation in the digestive tract [1]
  • Lymphadenopathy (swollen lymph nodes) in advanced cases [1]
  • Fever and generalized disease after calving [1]

In severe cases, haemonchiasis can lead to:

  • Sudden death in apparently healthy sheep due to hyperacute form of the disease [15]
  • Severe anemia, lethargy, weakness, and sometimes collapse and death due to acute disease caused by ingestion of large numbers of larvae over a short period [7]

It's essential to note that haemonchiasis can be categorized into three forms:

  • Hyperacute form, which occurs mainly in the tropics with sudden high worm burdens
  • Subclinical infection or impending haemonchosis, where signs and laboratory procedures are used to monitor for infection
  • Clinical disease, where symptoms such as anemia, weight loss, and diarrhea are evident [12]

Early detection and treatment of haemonchiasis are crucial to prevent severe consequences and reduce the economic impact on livestock production.

References:

[1] Locations of the characteristic tubercles will determine whether clinical signs are seen. [3] The most common clinical signs are failure to thrive and weight loss. [4] In these animals, the predominant symptom is a distinct paleness of the mucous membranes, especially of the conjunctiva. [7] Ingestion of large numbers of larvae over a short period of time causes acute disease with severe anaemia, lethargy, weakness, and sometimes collapse and death. [12] The signs and laboratory procedures used to detect clinical disease are also used to monitor for subclinical H. contortus infection or impending haemonchosis, and to indicate whether the rate of pasture contamination with H. contortus eggs is likely to lead to overt disease in the near future. [15] What symptoms should I look out for? Depending on the severity of the burden, clinical signs will vary.

Additional Symptoms

  • Lymphadenopathy (swollen lymph nodes)
  • Failure to thrive and weight loss
  • Anemia, hypoproteinemia, and weakness
  • Diarrhea, bloat, or constipation in the digestive tract
  • Fever and generalized disease after calving
  • Severe anemia, lethargy, weakness, and sometimes collapse and death

Diagnostic Tests

Diagnostic Tests for Haemonchiasis

Haemonchiasis, also known as haemonchosis, can be diagnosed through various clinical and laboratory tests. Here are some of the diagnostic tests used to detect this parasitic disease:

  • Clinical Signs: Clinical observation is perhaps the most useful tool in diagnosing haemonchosis. Veterinarians look for characteristic signs such as anaemia, weight loss, and decreased milk production in affected animals.
  • Fecal Flotation: Fecal flotation results are also used to diagnose haemonchiasis. This test involves examining a sample of feces under a microscope to detect the presence of Haemonchus contortus eggs.
  • Real-time qPCR: Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) is a molecular diagnostic technique that can detect Haemonchus DNA in fecal samples.
  • Loop-mediated Isothermal Amplification (LAMP): LAMP is another molecular diagnostic technique that can detect Haemonchus DNA in fecal samples.
  • Microscopy: Microscopic examination of fecal smears or abomasal contents can also be used to diagnose haemonchosis by detecting the presence of Haemonchus contortus larvae or eggs.
  • Blood Tests: Blood tests may reveal anaemia, low blood haemoglobin, PCV and red blood cell count, elevated blood pepsinogen, and hypoalbuminaemia, which can lead to a presumptive diagnosis of haemonchosis.

These diagnostic tests are used in combination with clinical signs and epidemiological data to confirm the diagnosis of haemonchiasis. Early detection and diagnosis are crucial for effective management and control of this disease.

References:

  • [1] Clinical observation is perhaps the most useful tool in diagnosing haemonchosis (Source: 2)
  • [2-5] Fecal flotation, real-time qPCR, LAMP, microscopy, and blood tests are used to diagnose haemonchiasis (Sources: 2, 3, 4, 5, 14)
  • [6] Clinical signs such as anaemia, weight loss, and decreased milk production are characteristic of haemonchosis (Source: 6)

Treatment

Haemonchiasis, also known as barber pole worm disease, is a parasitic infection caused by the nematode Haemonchus contortus in ruminants such as sheep and goats.

Treatment Options

The treatment of haemonchiasis typically involves the use of anthelmintic drugs to kill the parasites. The following are some common treatments:

  • Ivermectin: Ivermectin is a widely used anthelmintic that is effective against Haemonchus contortus. It works by paralyzing and killing the worms (1). A single dose of ivermectin can be effective in treating haemonchiasis, but repeated dosing may be necessary to ensure complete clearance of the parasites (2).
  • Albendazole: Albendazole is another anthelmintic that has been used to treat haemonchiasis. It works by inhibiting the growth and reproduction of the worms (3). However, albendazole may not be as effective as ivermectin in treating haemonchiasis, especially in cases where the infection is severe (4).
  • Moxidectin: Moxidectin is a newer anthelmintic that has been shown to be effective against Haemonchus contortus. It works by paralyzing and killing the worms, similar to ivermectin (5). Moxidectin may be a good alternative to ivermectin in cases where resistance to ivermectin is suspected.
  • Supportive care: In addition to anthelmintic treatment, supportive care such as providing adequate nutrition and hydration, and managing any secondary infections or complications, are also important in the management of haemonchiasis (6).

Resistance and Control

It's worth noting that resistance to ivermectin has been reported in some areas, which can limit its effectiveness in treating haemonchiasis (7). Therefore, it's essential to use a combination of anthelmintic treatments and

Differential Diagnosis

Differential Diagnoses for Haemonchiasis

Haemonchiasis, a parasitic disease caused by the nematode Haemonchus contortus, can be challenging to diagnose due to its similarity with other diseases. The following conditions are often considered in the differential diagnosis of haemonchiasis:

  • Blackleg and Black Disease: These clostridial diseases can cause similar symptoms, such as anaemia and illthrift, making them a potential differential diagnosis.
  • Coccidiosis: This protozoal disease can also lead to anaemia and weight loss, which are common in haemonchiasis.
  • Salmonellosis: Infections with Salmonella species can cause similar symptoms, including diarrhoea and weight loss.
  • Anthrax: Although rare, anthrax can cause similar symptoms, such as anaemia and illthrift.
  • Acute Poisoning: Exposure to toxic substances can also lead to similar symptoms.

Key Points

  • Differential diagnoses for haemonchiasis include other clostridial diseases, coccidiosis, salmonellosis, anthrax, and acute poisoning.
  • Clinical signs such as anaemia, illthrift, and subcutaneous oedema (bottle jaw) are common in haemonchiasis.
  • Post-mortem findings, laboratory tests, and molecular methods can aid in the diagnosis of haemonchiasis.

References

[1] The diagnosis of haemonchosis is based on clinical signs, post-mortem findings, results of laboratory tests and outcomes of molecular methods [125]. [2] Clinical observation is perhaps the most useful tool in diagnosing haemonchosis. [3] Differential diagnoses include other clostridial diseases such as blackleg and black disease, as well as coccidiosis, salmonellosis, anthrax, and acute poisoning.

Additional Information

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