Passalurus ambiguous

Question 1

What is oxyurid species infecting lagomorpha?

Answer 1

Passalurus ambiguous

This is a type of pinworm that infects rabbits.

Question 2

Describe the life cycle of Passalurus ambiguous.

Answer 2

1. Fertilized female migrate to rectum to lay unembryonated eggs on feces surface & perianal skin fold.
2. L1 develop inside the egg, and then moult to L2 and then L3 (24-48h)
3. FH ingest infective egg. After ingestion, larvae hatch in the small intestine.They migrate to the cecum and colon, where they mature into adults.

Autoinfection can occur, with a prepatent period of 56-64 days.

Question 3

What is the appearance of the eggs of Passalurus ambiguous?

Answer 3

• Medium
• Ovoid - asymmetrical with plug
• 2 thin shells
• Unembryonated
• Greyish

Question 4

What pathogenesis can occur from a large number of Passalurus ambiguous worms?

Answer 4

Granulomatous appendicitis and lymphadenitis

These conditions may arise due to the inflammatory response to the worms.

Question 5

What are the clinical signs associated with Passalurus ambiguous infection?

Answer 5

Necrotic degenerative inflammations, diarrhea, and weight loss

These signs indicate severe infection and impact the health of the affected rabbit.

Question 6

Which medications are effective in treating Passalurus ambiguous infections?

Answer 6

Piperazine, fenbendazole, mebendazole, ivermectin

Question 7

What method is used for the diagnosis of Passalurus ambiguous?

Answer 7

• Fecal examination
• Postmortem – detection of adult worms in cecum + colon

Question 8

Size of Passalurus ambiguous

Answer 8

Male: 4,3-5 mm
Female: 9-11 mm