What are the characteristic features of the eggs of Capillaria?

Capillaria philippinensis eggs are 35 to 45 µm in length by 20-25 µm in width, somewhat smaller than C. hepatica. They have two flat polar prominences and a striated shell. Eggs are unembryonated when passed in feces.

What are Capillaria worms?

Capillaria is a small internal parasite, often less than half of a centimeter in length. They are closely related to intestinal worms, though they can live in a variety of locations within the body. Capillaria can affect both dogs and cats, although dogs are more frequently affected.

What are two common organs to find infection with a Capillaria species?

Liver and Bile Duct Infections Capillaria hepatica mainly affects rodents but is also found in carnivores. The organism requires only a single host, with the liver containing both the adult parasite and its ova.

What is intestinal Capillariasis?

Intestinal capillariasis is a zoonotic disease caused by Capillaria philippinensis, a tiny nematode usually infecting fish-eating birds which recently has been transferred to the genus Paracapillaria.

Where do adult Capillaria hepatica worms lay eggs?

It can develop with only one definitive host, but likely requires two hosts to complete the life cycle. Adult worms are located deep within the liver parenchyma of the host, and lay hundreds of eggs in the surrounding parenchymal tissue .

What kind of disease does Capillaria hepatica cause?

One of the plates published with the original description of the species, showing the masses of eggs in the liver of the host (above) and free alive eggs (below). Capillaria hepatica is a parasitic nematode which causes hepatic capillariasis in rodents and numerous other mammal species, including humans.

What kind of nematode causes intestinal capillariasis?

The nematode (roundworm) Capillaria (=Paracapillaria) philippinensis causes human intestinal capillariasis. Unlike C. hepatica, humans are most likely the main definitive host.

How can you tell if you have hepatic capillariasis?

The specific diagnosis of C. hepatica infection is based on demonstrating the adult worms and/or eggs in liver tissue at biopsy or necropsy. Importantly, the identification of C. hepatica eggs in the stool is a spurious finding, which does not result from infection of the human host, but from ingestion by that host of livers from infected animals.