In pigs with open cecum, which worm genera are present?

In pigs with open cecum, which worm genera are present?

• A. Ascaris suum
• B. Trichuris and Oesophagostomum
• C. Trichuris suis and Ascaris lumbricoides
• D. Taenia solium

Answer: (B)

Open cecum in pigs points to parasites that inhabit and affect the large intestine, especially the cecum. The whipworm Trichuris suis and the nodular worm Oesophagostomum spp. are classic large‑bowel nematodes of pigs; they live in the cecum and adjacent colon and cause mucosal irritation, inflammation, and lesions that can lead to an open or damaged cecal appearance. This combination fits the lesion pattern seen with open cecum because these two genera are the ones most commonly associated with large‑intestinal infection in pigs. Ascaris suum, while a common pig parasite, resides mainly in the small intestine and is not characteristically associated with open cecum. Ascaris lumbricoides is a human parasite, and Taenia solium is a pork tapeworm that involves humans rather than being a cecal nematode of pigs.

Open cecum in pigs points to parasites that inhabit and affect the large intestine, especially the cecum. The whipworm Trichuris suis and the nodular worm Oesophagostomum spp. are classic large‑bowel nematodes of pigs; they live in the cecum and adjacent colon and cause mucosal irritation, inflammation, and lesions that can lead to an open or damaged cecal appearance. This combination fits the lesion pattern seen with open cecum because these two genera are the ones most commonly associated with large‑intestinal infection in pigs.

Ascaris suum, while a common pig parasite, resides mainly in the small intestine and is not characteristically associated with open cecum. Ascaris lumbricoides is a human parasite, and Taenia solium is a pork tapeworm that involves humans rather than being a cecal nematode of pigs.