What Clinical Signs Are Associated With a Pentastome Infestation?
Some animals with a pentastome infestation may not show any signs of disease. In others, the parasite can cause severe lesions in the lungs, and even death. Reptiles may have dyspnea, lethargy, and a loss of appetite. Secondary bacterial infections may occur. In severe infections, aneurysms may develop. Occasionally, the adult worms may burrow through the lung and protrude from the skin. How Is a Pentastome Infestation Diagnosed? Diagnosis may be made by finding the eggs in the feces or respiratory secretions. How Is a Pentastome Infestation Treated and Controlled? There is currently no effective treatment for pentastome infestations. Infestations can be controlled through good hygiene and feeding parasite-free prey. Do Pentastomes Pose a Risk to Humans? Yes. Humans can act as intermediate hosts, becoming infected by having their hands contaminated from the feces or saliva of the reptile, and accidentally ingesting the eggs. Handling fecal contaminated water, dishes, and other equipmen
