Diagnostic spectrum
General information
The lungworm Capillaria aerophila has low host specificity and has zoonotic potential!
The adult stages are embedded in the submucosa of the trachea, bronchi and bronchioles. There they lay eggs, which are coughed up, swallowed and excreted with the feces. In the environment, these eggs become infectious after 30 – 45 days (embryonated eggs). Earthworms are important in the development cycle of C. aerophila, but their role (intermediate or only transport host) has not yet been fully clarified.
Definitive hosts (e.g., dogs and cats) become infected by ingesting an infectious stage. The larvae penetrate the intestinal wall and reach the lungs via the lymph and/or bloodstream, where they mature into adults and become sexually mature. Infections can be asymptomatic, but mild to severe respiratory symptoms are also possible.