The Life Cycle of Parascaris spp.

Infection begins when a horse ingests embryonated eggs from contaminated environments. Once in the small intestine, the eggs hatch and the larvae invade various organs, including the liver and lungs, before returning to the intestine to mature into adults. This migratory phase can be particularly damaging, leading to severe complications such as inflammation, hemorrhage, and edema. Mature worms, particularly females, can produce thousands of eggs, which are then expelled in feces, perpetuating the cycle of infection and environmental contamination.

Young foals may exhibit a host of symptoms, including poor growth, dull coat, colic, diarrhea, and respiratory issues. One of the most dangerous outcomes of a heavy infestation is intestinal impaction, which can require surgical intervention or even lead to death.

The Role of Extracellular Vesicles (EVs)