A quantitative approach to nematode lungworm burdens in goats

Abstract

Nematode lungworm burdens are difficult to evaluate at necropsy. The recovery of protostrongylid worms was achieved by three different post-mortem quantification techniques. Perfusion of the lungs under watertap pressure was successful in washing out Protostrongyius rufescens and Cystocaulus ocreatus but not Muellerius capillaris and Neostrongylus. Incubation of the lungs by pepsin and hydrochloric acid solution prior to perfusion helped to recover trapped Muellerius and Neostrongylus. Worm nodules were classified into type A, B and C, on increasing calcification process. Examination of these nodules showed that 75 to 80 % of type A and B contained a parasite. Worms recovered by perfusion added to the sum of type A and B nodules were used to construct formula for quantifying fhe total lungworm burdens from naturally infected goat lungs and may provide a reasonable basis for assessing anthelmintic efficacy.