Angiostrongyliasis

In 1938, Angiostrongylus cantonensis was discovered in rat lungs by Chen in Canton, China. Recently, the taxonomical position of the worm as changed and A. cantonensis has been transferred to the genus Parastrongylus, but in this text we will continue to use the generic name Angiostrongylus. Infection with A. cantonensis is the most common etiology of eosinophilic meningitis. Do not confuse this with disease resulting from infection with Angiostrongylus costaricensis. Angiostrongyliasis occurs primarily in Southeast Asia, throughout the Pacific Bassin, including Hawaii, Indonesia, Philippines, Japan and Papua New Guinea, but also in several Caribbean nations (Bahamas, Cuba, Puerto Rico, Dominican Republic, Jamaica). Few cases were discovered in Ivory Coast and Egypt, Madagaskar, Mayotte and Reunion Island. There was even one described case in North America. A large percentage of the rats in New Orleans were found to be infected with Angiostrongylus cantonensis. Occasionally, small outbreaks occur.

Category: Medicine Notes