''Setaria'' is a genus of parasitic

roundworms The nematodes ( or grc-gre, Νηματώδη; la, Nematoda) or roundworms constitute the phylum Nematoda (also called Nemathelminthes), with plant-parasitic nematodes also known as eelworms. They are a diverse animal phylum inhabiting a broa ...

that infect domesticated mammals such as pigs, camels, cattle and horses. Some species also infect wild mammals such as deer and antelope. The genus consists of about 43 species. Members of the genus are uniquely parasites in the

abdominal cavity The abdominal cavity is a large body cavity in humans and many other animals that contains many organs. It is a part of the abdominopelvic cavity. It is located below the thoracic cavity, and above the pelvic cavity. Its dome-shaped roof is the th ...

of the body. They are mostly large-sized roundworms, possessing an elaborate head (cephalic) region that is characterised by spines, presence of four lips, and well-guarded mouth. Little is known about their pathogenic effects, but some are known to affect nervous system and eye. The larval infective forms are transmitted from one animal to another by the bite of mosquitoes and flies. In addition ''Setaria marshalli'' can be transmitted from the womb to new-born calf. A rare case of human infection was recorded in 2016 from a 15-year-old Iranian girl, who was diagnosed with ''Setaria equina'' in her eye.

Species

Some important species of the genus are: *'' Setaria cervi'' which are parasites of buffalo, bison, deer and antelope. They are capable of migrating to central nervous system causing serious

neurological disease A neurological disorder is any disorder of the nervous system. Structural, biochemical or electrical abnormalities in the brain, spinal cord or other nerves can result in a range of symptoms. Examples of symptoms include paralysis, muscle weakness ...

. They are found worldwide and predominantly in Europe and Asia. Stable fly ''Haematobia stimulans'' is the major vector. *'' Setaria digitata'' which are parasites of cattle in Asia. It was introduced to Mauritius. Different species of mosquitoes including those of ''

Aedes ''Aedes'' is a genus of mosquitoes originally found in tropical and subtropical zones, but now found on all continents except perhaps Antarctica. Some species have been spread by human activity: ''Aedes albopictus'', a particularly invasive spe ...

'', ''

Culex ''Culex'' is a genus of mosquitoes, several species of which serve as vectors of one or more important diseases of birds, humans, and other animals. The diseases they vector include arbovirus infections such as West Nile virus, Japanese encep ...

'' and ''

Anopheles ''Anopheles'' () is a genus of mosquito first described and named by J. W. Meigen in 1818. About 460 species are recognised; while over 100 can transmit human malaria, only 30–40 commonly transmit parasites of the genus ''Plasmodium'', which c ...

'' are vectors. In central Japan '' Anopheles sinensis'' is the major vector. *'' Setaria equina'' which are parasites of horses, mules, and donkeys, and also capable of infecting cattle and camels. Mosquito species of ''Aedes'' are the primary vectors. They are most prevalent in Kenya. *'' Setaria javensis'' which are parasites of

mouse-deer Chevrotains, or mouse-deer, are small even-toed ungulates that make up the family Tragulidae, the only extant members of the infraorder Tragulina. The 10 extant species are placed in three genera, but several species also are known only f ...

in Malaysia. They are transmitted by ''Aedes togoi''. *''

Setaria labiatopapillosa ''Setaria'' is a widespread genus of plants in the grass family. The name is derived from the Latin word ''seta'', meaning "bristle" or "hair", which refers to the bristly spikelets. The genus includes over 100 species distributed in many t ...

'' which are parasites of cattle, as well as other domesticated animals. ''Aedes togoi'' and ''Anopheles hyrcanus'' are the vectors in Japan, while ''Mansonia'' spp. are vectors in Kenya, and ''Aedes caspius'' in Italy. *'' Setaria marshalli'' which are parasites of cattle.

References

{{Taxonbar, from=Q18357200 Parasitic nematodes of mammals Secernentea genera