Studies on Anafilaroides rostratus Gerichter, 1949 in Cats: II. The Life Cycle

Abstract

The first stage larva of Anafilaroides rostratus develops, after penetration into the foot of certain molluscs, Laevicaulis alte Fer. Mariella dussumieri Gray, Achatina fulica (Fer.) and Helix aspersa Müller. Two moults occur in the foot of these molluscs in 20–56 days depending on the temperature. After each moult the cuticle is shed. The details of development are described. The infective larvae are found in the foot of these molluscs. Natural infection was found in L. alte.Mice and chickens can act as auxiliary hosts. Probably rats, other rodents and birds can also act in the same capacity.The study of the development of the parasite in the cats is not complete. On ingestion the infective larvae penetrate the stomach wall and reach the lung where the third and the fourth moults occur. Exact times of the occurrence of the moults have not been definitely established. All moults are however completed by the 46th day; from then until the 58th day, immature helminths are found in the lungs. Fully gravid females are found on the 74th day, and larvae are first seen on the 78th day. The worms continue to produce larvae for more than 255 days after maturity. The duration of the life of the adult is probably considerably longer than one year.