ORGANISM 3: Capillaria hepatica
GENERAL CHARACTERISTICS
COMMON NAME: None.
GEOGRAPHICAL DISTRIBUTION: Worldwide.
PATHOGENESIS: Inflammation of the liver, tissue destruction, cardiac abnormalities.
HABITAT: Liver.
TRANSPORT HOST: Same species as definitive host, carnivores.
RESERVOIR HOST: Mice, rats, prairie dogs, beavers, monkeys.
INFECTIVE FORM: Embryonated eggs.
MODE OF INFECTION: Ingestion of contaminated soil or food
SPECIMEN OF CHOICE: Liver biopsy.
Figure 4-23. Life cycle of Capillaria hepatica.
MD0842
4-30