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Baylisascaris
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Baylisascaris is a genus of roundworms that infest more than fifty animal species.
isascaris eggs are passed in feces and become active within a month. They can remain viable in the environment for years, withstanding heat and cold. According to , animals become infested either by:
r an animal swallows the eggs, the microscopic larvae hatch in the intestine and invade the intestinal wall.
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Encyclopedia
Baylisascaris is a genus of roundworms that infest more than fifty animal species.
Life cycle
Baylisascaris eggs are passed in feces and become active within a month. They can remain viable in the environment for years, withstanding heat and cold. According to , animals become infested either by:
- Swallowing the eggs, or
- Eating another animal infested with Baylisascaris.
Disease progression
After an animal swallows the eggs, the microscopic larvae hatch in the intestine and invade the intestinal wall. If they are in their definitive host they develop for several weeks, then enter the intestinal lumen, mature, mate, and proceed to produce eggs, which are carried out in the fecal stream. If the larvae are in a paratenic host, they break into the bloodstream and enter various organs, particularly the central nervous system.
A great deal of damage occurs wherever the larva tries to make a home. In response to the attack, the body attempts to destroy it by walling it off or killing it. The larva moves rapidly to escape, seeking out the liver, eyes, spinal cord or brain. Occasionally they can be found in the heart, lungs, and other organs. Eventually the larva dies and is reabsorbed by the body. In very small species such as mice, it might take only one or two larvae in the brain to be fatal. If the larva does not cause significant damage in vital organs then the victim will show no signs of disease. On the other hand, if it causes behavioral changes by destroying parts of the brain, the host becomes easier prey, bringing the larva into the intestine of a new host.
Clinical signs in humans
- Skin irritations from larvae migrating within the skin.
- Eye and brain tissue damage due to the random migration of the larvae.
- Nausea, a lethargic feeling, incoordination and loss of eyesight.
- Severe neurological signs including imbalance, circling and abnormal behavior, caused by extensive tissue damage due to larval migration through the brain.
- Nemanarcosis - A recurring state of mind similar to drivers narcosis. Caused by the male wanderer, releasing nitrogen rich secretions across lining of brain while in travels through host from stationary female to female. This state of mind has a duration of 3 day’s to 3 weeks, dependent on the size of burden.
Treatment
While worming can rid the intestine of adult Baylisascaris, there is no treatment that has been shown to alleviate illness caused by migrating larvae.
Baylisascaris species
Each Baylisascaris species has a host species that it uses to reproduce. The eggs appear in the host species' feces. They can then be ingested by, and infest, a variety of other animals (including humans) that serve as paratenic hosts.
The most common Baylisascaris species are:
Baylisascaris procyonis
Baylisascaris procyonis, the raccoon parasite, is related to the canine roundworm Toxocara canis. It is found in the intestines of raccoons in North America, Japan and Germany. It infests 68 to 82% of some raccoon populations, according to the House Rabbit Society. This parasite can be extremely harmful or deadly to humans.
Baylisascaris columnaris
Skunks carry Baylisascaris columnaris, a similar species to B. procyonis. Many pet skunks have died from this parasite. According to several skunk experts and by Matt Bolek, Diagnostic Parasitologist, many baby skunks from skunk farms have B. columnaris present in their bodies. The exact proportion of new skunks that are infested is unknown. Since the worms are often at too early a stage in development to begin shedding eggs into the feces, a fecal test may not detect the parasite, and the pet should be pre-emptively treated with wormers (See Pet skunk).
Baylisascaris columnaris is not as prevalent as B. procyonis.
Disease prevention
Careful decontamination procedures need to be performed after contact with animal feces. Baylisascaris eggs can enter the digestive tract of a person who, for instance, removes dung from his property and then eats without thoroughly washing his hands.
Baylisascaris are highly resistant to decontamination procedures because of their dense cell walls and sticky surface. They can survive hot or freezing weather and certain chemicals, remaining viable for several years. Rats are a known vector, and rat droppings may deposit the eggs into the carpets and interiors of homes.
Bleach can prevent the eggs from sticking, but will not ensure destruction. According to by Olympic Veterinary Hospital, hand washing is an important countermeasure against ingestion, and decontamination of other surfaces is accomplished by thoroughly flaming with a propane torch or treating with lye. According to Bolek, other forms of high heat such as boiling water or steam will accomplish the same result. Children are more likely to be infected than adults because of their tendency to perform geophagy (eating dirt).
See also
External links
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