The interaction between the 2 nodular worm species in the
pig, Oesophagostomum dentatum (O.d.) and Oesophagostomum
quadrispinulatum (O.q.), was studied by comparing the development
and distribution of the species following single or
mixed infections. The faecal egg excretion levels were assessed at regular
intervals from week 3 post-inoculation, and
indicated a strong negative impact of the introduction of O.q.
on the
continued egg excretion of O.d. All pigs were killed
9 weeks after the first inoculations to determine the composition and
location of the worm burdens in the large intestine.
O.q. was found more anteriorly located in the intestine than
O.d., thus confirming previous descriptions. When both
species were present, the distribution of O.d. was moved
further posteriorly and was more spread out than in single-species infections.
There appeared to be no adverse effect of O.d. on the establishment
and fecundity of O.q. However, the worm recoveries corroborated
the egg
excretion observations, namely reduced worm burdens of O.d. if
O.q. was introduced, or if O.q. was already present.
It is
uncertain whether this effect is caused by differences in host reaction
against the two species, or whether a more specific competition occurs
between the two nodular worm species in pigs.