Carpet Python/Raccoon Roundworm

Question 1

How is carpet python roundworm transmitted?

Answer 1

The python defecates, the eggs in the grass are eaten by small mammals, the small mammals are eaten by pythons.

Question 2

What type of hosts are humans for carpet python roundworm?

Answer 2

Incidental.

Question 3

What is the causative agent of carpet python roundworm?

Answer 3

Ophidascaris robertsci.

Question 4

What does the carpet python roundworm cause?

Answer 4

Neural larval migrans.
*Can be ocular or cutaneous.

Question 5

What is the causative agent of raccoon roundworm?

Answer 5

Baylisascaris procyonis.

Question 6

What are the hosts for raccoon roundworm?

Answer 6

Humans and 200 vertebrates.

Question 7

How many eggs can one Baylisascaris procyonis worm produce per day?

Answer 7

15-70k.

Question 8

How are Baylisascaris procyonis eggs destroyed?

Answer 8

Burn them.

Question 9

What is a raccoon latrine?

Answer 9

Community bathroom area.

Question 10

What does Baylisascaris procyonis cause?

Answer 10

1. Neural larval migrans.
2. Developmental issues.
3. Neurological issues.
4. Severe eosinophilic menigioencephalitis.
   *Encyst anywhere in the body, 5-7% of larvae enter the brain.

Question 11

What are the main paratenic hosts for Baylisascaris procyonis?

Answer 11

Small mammals.

Question 12

What is the prevalence of Baylisascaris procyonis in the raccoon population?

Answer 12

50-60%.

Question 13

Why is Baylisascaris procyonis hard to dx?

Answer 13

It has broad signs and symptoms.

Question 14

What leads to transmission of Baylisascaris procyonis?

Answer 14

1. Contact with feces.
2. Feeding wildlife.