Aelurostrongylus abstrusus (feline lungworm)

Aelurostrongylus abstrusus, is one of the most common lungworms found in felines around the world both big and small. This L1 or first stage larva is from a Cheetah with no clinical symptoms (asymptomatic) and was found on routine faecal examination. The distinctive morphological criteria to correctly identify this lungworm larva is it S-shaped tail with a dorsal spine. A drop of iodine would normal kill the larva to make it easier to examine but the tail notch can be seen clearly in this video. Clinical signs depends on factors such as worm burden and health status,age and immune response of the animal.

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Why do they exist?