One of the parasites that is often found in animals, yet is of dire concern to humans is the group of worms found in the genus CAPILLARIA. Even though there
are not many types of these parasites that are commonly found in humans, the slight chance that these worms may be communicable to humans is a dangerous enough problem to be considered a "parasite of public concern" (http://www.dpd.cdc.gov/DPDx/HTML/Capillariasis.htm)
There is one major type of capillaria species that is found in humans: C. philippinensis, which is known to cause the disease human intestinal capillariasis. The other two species that are of concern to humans are C. hepatica, which is known to cause hepatic capillariasis, and C. aerophila, which is known to cause pulmonary capillariasis. This specific worm is ofen found infesting hedgehogs. In addition to these human transferrable parasites, others such as Capillaria Erinacea infest animals such as hedgehogs and rodents.
C. philippinensis are often found in the human small intestine, where they burrow into the intestinal walls and even into the mesentery of the intestinal tract of the host. C. hepatica is often found in the livers of rats, and is transferred host to host. The last species discussed, C. aerophila, is found in the lungs of infected animals. Eggs are transferred when the animal coughs, swallows the eggs, and the eggs are passed in feces. They then are incubated in the soil and find a new, unsuspecting host.
With the presence of C. philippinensis and intestinal capillariasis, severe abdominal pain and diahrrea are symptoms of infestation. In addition to the extreme discomfort, a protein depleting disease called CACHEXIA may develop and lead to even death.
The other C. hepatica often appears to be severe hepatitis, and may be fatal. C. aerophila also is present with pneumonia and bronchitis and may also be fatal.
Capillaria Erinacea, the worm often found in the intestine of the hedgehog, causes severe diahrrea and lethergy in these small animals. The infestations may also cause either a severe weight loss and decreased appetite, or an increased appetite due to parasitic feeding.
The primary treatment for this infestation is found in the drug mebendazol, however other treatments like the administering of Panacur wormer and the injection of Levamisol are often in animals.