Angiostrongyliasis, Neurologic

Infectious Agent

Angiostrongylus cantonensis , rat lungworm, a nematode parasite.

Transmission

Various species of rats are the definitive hosts of the parasite, known as the rat lungworm. Parasites from rats only infect snails and slugs, which are the intermediate hosts. Infective larvae have also been found in paratenic (transport) hosts, such as freshwater shrimp, crabs, and frogs, which become infected by consuming infected snails and slugs. Transmission to humans occurs by ingesting infected intermediate or paratenic hosts or by consuming contaminated raw produce or vegetable juices.

Epidemiology

Most described cases have occurred in Asia and the Pacific Basin (such as in parts of Thailand, Taiwan, mainland China, Australia, the Hawaiian Islands, and other Pacific Islands); however, cases have been reported in many areas of the world, including the Caribbean.

Clinical Presentation

Incubation period is typically 1–3 weeks but ranges from 1 day to >6 weeks. A. cantonensis is considered the most common infectious cause of eosinophilic meningitis in humans. Common manifestations include headache, photophobia, stiff neck, abnormal skin sensations (such as tingling or painful feelings), nausea, vomiting, fatigue, and body aches. A low-grade fever may occur. Symptoms are usually self-limited but may persist for weeks or months. Severe cases can be associated with paralysis, blindness, or death.

Diagnosis

Typically presumptive, on the basis of clinical and epidemiologic criteria in people with otherwise unexplained eosinophilic meningitis. PCR testing of cerebrospinal fluid is available at CDC (www.cdc.gov/dpdx; 404-718-4745; parasites@cdc.gov). Immunodiagnostic tests have been developed (for example, in research settings) but are not approved or licensed for clinical use in the United States.

Treatment

The larvae die spontaneously and supportive care usually suffices, including analgesics for pain and corticosteroids to limit inflammation. No antihelminthic drugs have been proven to be effective in treatment.

Prevention

Food and water precautions, particularly:

  • Avoid eating raw or undercooked snails, slugs, and other possible hosts.
  • Eat raw produce, such as lettuce, only if it has been thoroughly washed or treated with bleach. Such measures might provide some protection but may not eliminate the risk.
  • If a catchment tank is used as a source of water, ensure that it is covered to prevent intrusion by slugs and snails. Also keep drink containers covered.
  • Wear gloves (and wash hands) if snails or slugs are handled.

CDC website: www.cdc.gov/parasites/angiostrongylus

Bibliography

  1. Barratt J, Chan D, Sandaradura I, Malik R, Spielman D, Lee R, et al. Angiostrongylus cantonensis: a review of its distribution, molecular biology and clinical significance as a human pathogen. Parasitol. 2016 May;143:1087–118.
  2. Eamsobhana P. Eosinophilic meningitis caused by Angiostrongylus cantonensis—a neglected disease with escalating importance. Trop Biomed. 2014 Apr;31(4):569–78.  [PMID:25776582]
  3. Hochberg NS, Blackburn BG, Park SY, Sejvar JJ, Effler PV, Herwaldt BL. Eosinophilic meningitis attributable to Angiostrongylus cantonensis infection in Hawaii: clinical characteristics and potential exposures. Am J Trop Med Hyg. 2011 Oct;85(4):685–90.  [PMID:21976573]
  4. Qvarnstrom Y, Xayavong M, da Silva AC, Park SY, Whelen AC, Calimlim PS, et al. Real-time polymerase chain reaction detection of Angiostrongylus cantonensis DNA in cerebrospinal fluid from patients with eosinophilic meningitis. Am J Trop Med Hyg. 2016 Jan;94(1):176–81.  [PMID:26526920]
  5. Wang Q-P, Wu Z-D, Wei J, Owen RL, Lun Z-R. Human Angiostrongylus cantonensis: an update. Eur J Clin Microbiol Infect Dis. 2012 Jul;31:389–95.  [PMID:21725905]

Authors

Anne Straily, Barbara L. Herwaldt