Angiostrongylus cantonensis
Angiostrongylus cantonensis (pronounced: an-gee-oh-strong-uh-lus can-ton-en-sis) is a parasite that causes angiostrongyliasis, the most common cause of eosinophilic meningitis in humans.
Etymology
The name Angiostrongylus cantonensis is derived from the Greek words angio (meaning vessel), strongylus (meaning round), and cantonensis (referring to the region of Canton in China where the parasite was first discovered).
Description
Angiostrongylus cantonensis is a nematode (roundworm) that is primarily hosted by rats. It is one of many species in the genus Angiostrongylus. The adult worms live in the pulmonary arteries of rats. The larvae are expelled in the feces of rats and can infect humans through the consumption of raw or undercooked snails, slugs, or other animals that have ingested the larvae.
Symptoms and Treatment
In humans, Angiostrongylus cantonensis can cause a type of meningitis called eosinophilic meningitis. Symptoms can include headache, stiff neck, fever, vomiting, nausea, and paralysis of the face and limbs. The disease is diagnosed by detecting larvae in the cerebrospinal fluid.
Treatment typically involves a course of anthelmintic drugs to kill the worms, along with corticosteroids to reduce inflammation in the brain. In severe cases, hospitalization may be required.
Prevention
Prevention of Angiostrongylus cantonensis infection involves avoiding consumption of raw or undercooked snails or slugs, and washing hands and utensils thoroughly after handling these animals.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Angiostrongylus cantonensis
- Wikipedia's article - Angiostrongylus cantonensis
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