Summary Information
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| Diseases /
List of Parasitic Diseases
/ Disease summary |
| Alternative Names |
Nodular worm
infection.
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| Disease Agents |
- Osophagostomum
sp. eggs: elliptical and almost symmetrical, 75 - 80 x 43-48 µm,
containing morula-stage embryos. (J576.24.w1)
- Thin-shelled ellipsoidal eggs with rounded ends and containing a
dense morula. Size 71.1 (67-75) x 42.3 (39-47) µm. Compatible in
appearance with eggs of the species Osophagostomum stephanostomum
and Osophagostomum bifurcum found in Pan troglodytes - Chimpanzee.
(B668.14.w14)
- They were very similar in size to Osophagostomum stephanostomum,
one of the seven species which have been recorded in Pan troglodytes - Chimpanzee. (J576.24.w1)
- These worms are found in the colon, although nodules containing the
nematodes may be found on the serosa of multiple abdominal organs. (B336.39.w39)
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| Infectious
Agent(s) |
-- |
| Non-infectious
Agent(s) |
-- |
| Physical
Agent(s) |
--
|
| General Description |
Clinical Signs in Great Apes
- Clinical signs with severe infections may include general
unthriftiness and debilitation, also diarrhoea and weight loss. (B336.39.w39)
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| Further Information |
Occurrence in Bonobos
- Osophagostomum eggs was found in 5.3 - 28.0% of faecal
samples (overall, 17.9%) from the bonobos in different groups sampled at Wamba, October
- December 1981. (J576.24.w1)
- Intensity of infection was usually very low. (J576.24.w1)
- Osophagostomum infection occurs in wild Pan paniscus
- Bonobos, with a significant (P < 0.05) increase in worm
burdens after the start of the rainy season. (J552.23.w2)
- Osophagostomum stephanostomum has been recorded in a wild
bonobo. (J576.24.w1)
- A study of parasites in faeces of bonobos from Lomako,
October-December 1998 found Osophagostomum sp. in 50.6% of 87
faecal samples. (B668.14.w14)
Diagnosis in Great Apes
- Diagnosis is based on identification of eggs in faeces. Note: eggs
of Oesophagostomum spp. and Terniens are not
distinguishable. (B336.39.w39)
Treatment in Great Apes
- Benzimidazoles (Fenbendazole,
Mebendazole),
Ivermectin,
Pyrantel pamoate
or Levamisole
can be used. (B336.39.w39)
- Note: Wild bonobos appear to self-medicate by swallowing, whole, leaves of Manniophyton
fulvum; they also swallow Cola spp. leaves whole, which may
have a similar effect. (J552.23.w2)
- The effect of the leaves is thought to be physical rather than
chemical, based on the rough hispid surface of the leaves (covered
with stiff hairs),
facilitating expulsion of adult nematodes (and of tapeworm fragments).
(J552.23.w2)
Prevention in Great Apes
- Strict sanitation is important. (B336.39.w39)
- Newly arrived animals should be quarantined and infected individuals
should be isolated until they have been treated. (B336.39.w39)
- A parasite monitoring programme should be used for early detection
of infection. (B336.39.w39)
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| Associated Techniques |
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| Host taxa groups /species |
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| Author |
Dr Debra Bourne MA VetMB PhD MRCVS
(V.w5) |
| Referees |
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