The lungworm, Pneumostrongylus calcaratus, was found in 85% (164 of 193) of impala (Aepyceros melampus) collected in Mlawula Nature Reserve in Swaziland. Infection was confirmed at 4.5 mo of age, and the prevalence increased to 100% at 11 mo, with a prevalence of 98% in animals >1 yr of age. Pneumostrongylus calcaratus was usually found in firm, tan-grey nodules along the lobar borders of the lungs, although an extensive granulomatous pneumonia with miliary caseous abscesses and calcified nodules was observed in some older animals. In the primary infection in lambs, adult parasites, larvae and eggs were observed in the alveoli and bronchioles within the nodule. There was peribronchial and perivascular mononuclear cuffing, with infiltration of mononuclear cells in the alveolar septum in the vicinity of worms. In lesions in older animals, there was local consolidation with macrophages and giant cells, and foci of parenchymal necrosis associated with degenerating eosinophils, which appeared to lead to the formation of eosinophilic granulomas. Resolving lesions caused interstitial fibrosis, with mineralized nodules. Pneumostrongylosis does not appear to pose a significant threat to the health of impala in Swaziland.
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1 January 1989
OBSERVATIONS ON THE LUNGWORM, PNEUMOSTRONGYLUS CALCARATUS, IN IMP ALA (AEPYCEROS MELAMPUS) FROM SWAZILAND
G. J. Gallivan,
I. K. Barker,
R. M. R. Alves,
J. Culverwell,
R. Girdwood
Journal of Wildlife Diseases
Vol. 25 • No. 1
January 1989
Vol. 25 • No. 1
January 1989
Aepyceros melampus
field study
impala
pathology
Pneumostrongylus calcaratus
prevalence
Swaziland