Observations on the life history of the cat Lungworm. Aelurostrongylus abstrusus (Railliet, 1898) (Nematoda: Metastrongylidae)

Abstract

First-stage larvae of Aelurostrongylus abstrusus (Railliet) developed readily in the garden slug, Agriolimax laevis (Muller), two moults occurring in this host. When infected slugs were eaten by a cat, the third-stage larvae migrated at once to the lungs, where they underwent the third and fourth moults. The prepatent period in the cat was about 39 days. When infected slugs were fed to laboratory-bred mice, the third-stage larvae were not digested, but congregated in great numbers in the gastro-splenic ligament, forming minute yellowish cysts. They were also recovered in small numbers from other parts of the body. Third-stage larvae survived unchanged in mice for 12 weeks, and probably would survive for longer periods. Mice were regarded as important auxillary hosts. The minute adult worms were found in the bronchioles of the cat. They were always very difficult to locate. The eggs were laid in the alveoli, forming a characteristic pattern of small, solid nodules scattered throughout the lung tissue.