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Parasitology2005; 131(Pt 1); 1-13; doi: 10.1017/s0031182004007127

Anoplocephala perfoliata of horses–significant scope for further research, improved diagnosis and control.

Abstract: Anoplocephala perfoliata is the commonest tapeworm parasite of horses and is incriminated as a significant cause of clinical disease (e.g., ileocaecal intussusception, caeco-caecal intussusception and/or caecal perforation), particularly in horses chronically infected with large numbers of worms. The high prevalence (approximately 20-80%) of the parasite in some countries suggests an increased risk of clinical cases. In spite of research, there is still a paucity of information regarding the pathogenesis of the disease, the epidemiology of the parasite in different geographical regions and there are significant limitations with the diagnosis of infection. The present article provides an account of the biology, epidemiology and pathogenic effects of A. perfoliata, the diagnosis of infection and treatment. It highlights some gaps in knowledge of the parasite and the disease it causes, and suggests opportunities for future research and prospects for improved diagnosis, prevention and control.
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Publication Date: 2005-07-26 PubMed ID: 16038391DOI: 10.1017/s0031182004007127Google Scholar: Lookup
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Summary

This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.

This study focuses on Anoplocephala perfoliata, a common tapeworm parasite in horses that causes several health problems, particularly in horses with an extended history of worm infection. Despite being widely prevalent, our understanding of its impact, treatment options, diagnostic procedures, and overall epidemiology is limited. The paper seeks to address these gaps and advance our understanding of the parasite and infection.

Understanding Anoplocephala perfoliata

  • Anoplocephala perfoliata is the most frequent tapeworm found in horses and can cause serious health issues such as ileocaecal intussusception, caeco-caecal intussusception, and caecal perforation.
  • These health issues become increasingly problematic in cases where horses are infected chronically with a large volume of these worms.

Prevalence and Risk

  • With prevalence rates reported between 20 to 80% in some countries, there is a heightened risk of clinical cases related to this parasite.
  • The high prevalence underscores the urgency for improved understanding, diagnosis, and treatment of the parasite infection.

Limited Existing Knowledge

  • Despite previous research efforts, there is still a significant lack of information concerning the mechanisms of disease development and the epidemiology of the parasite in various geographical areas.
  • This lack of knowledge extends to diagnosis, where current techniques have many limitations.

Aims of the Research

  • This research presents detailed information on the biology, epidemiology, and pathogenic effects of Anoplocephala perfoliata, along with diagnostic methods and treatments for infection.
  • It identifies knowledge gaps about the parasite and the disease it causes, thereby underscoring the need for additional research in the field.
  • The study also proposes improved methods for diagnosis, prevention, and control of the disease, contributing to better horse health outcomes in the future.

Cite This Article

APA
Gasser RB, Williamson RM, Beveridge I. (2005). Anoplocephala perfoliata of horses–significant scope for further research, improved diagnosis and control. Parasitology, 131(Pt 1), 1-13. https://doi.org/10.1017/s0031182004007127

Publication

Parasitology
ISSN: 0031-1820
NlmUniqueID: 0401121
Country: England
Language: English
Volume: 131
Issue: Pt 1
Pages: 1-13

Researcher Affiliations

Gasser, R B
  • Department of Veterinary Science, The University of Melbourne, 250 Princes Highway, Werribee, Victoria 3030, Australia. robing@unimelb.EDU.AU
Williamson, R M C
    Beveridge, I

      MeSH Terms

      • Animals
      • Anticestodal Agents / therapeutic use
      • Cestode Infections / diagnosis
      • Cestode Infections / drug therapy
      • Cestode Infections / physiopathology
      • Cestode Infections / veterinary
      • Horse Diseases / diagnosis
      • Horse Diseases / drug therapy
      • Horse Diseases / parasitology
      • Horse Diseases / physiopathology
      • Horses

      References

      This article includes 104 references

      Citations

      This article has been cited 16 times.
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