Parasites - Angiostrongyliasis (also known as Angiostrongylus Infection)

Angiostrongylus

 

Angiostrongylus is a parasitic nematode that can cause severe gastrointestinal or central nervous system disease in humans, depending on the species. Angiostrongylus cantonensis, which is also known as the rat lungworm, causes eosinophilic meningitis and is prevalent in Southeast Asia and tropical Pacific islands. The recognized distribution of the parasite has been increasing over time and infections have been identified in other areas, including Africa, the Caribbean, and the United States.

Learn more about Angiostrongylus cantonensis in this new motion graphic video.

Angiostrongylus costaricensis causes eosinophilic gastroenteritis and is found in Latin America and the Caribbean.

Images: Left: Two Angiostrongylus adult females recovered from rat lungs. The distinctive, coiled pattern seen in both worms is created by the white uterine tubes and red, blood-filled intestine. Right: Angiostrongylus cantonensis third-stage (L3), infective larva recovered from a slug. Image captured under differential interference contrast (DIC) microscopy. (Credit: DPDx)