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Eosinophilic meningitis. An unusual cause of headache
1Nambour General Hospital, Queensland.
Abstract:
Human parasitic infections are uncommon outside the tropical north but common in animals throughout Australia. The rat lung worm, Angiostrongylus cantonensis, can invade the human brain to cause a chronic meningitis with prolonged headache. This condition can be diagnosed by finding a high eosinophil count in cerebrospinal fluid (CFS), the lumbar puncture also provides symptomatic relief. The outcome is usually benign but death has been reported.
Insights
Rat lung worm infections, caused by Angiostrongylus cantonensis, can lead to chronic meningitis and severe headaches in humans. Diagnosis involves identifying high eosinophil counts in cerebrospinal fluid (CFS).
Area of Science:
- Parasitology
- Neurology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Human parasitic infections are rare in Australia, except in the tropical north.
- Angiostrongylus cantonensis, the rat lung worm, is prevalent in Australian animals.
- This parasite poses a risk of zoonotic transmission to humans.
Observation:
- Infection by Angiostrongylus cantonensis can result in the parasite invading the human brain.
- This invasion can lead to chronic meningitis, characterized by persistent headaches.
- The condition is diagnosed through cerebrospinal fluid (CFS) analysis.
Findings:
- A key diagnostic indicator is a significantly elevated eosinophil count in the cerebrospinal fluid (CFS).
- Performing a lumbar puncture for diagnosis can also offer symptomatic relief.
- While typically benign, severe outcomes including death have been documented.
Implications:
- Early diagnosis and management of Angiostrongylus cantonensis meningitis are crucial.
- Understanding parasite distribution and transmission is vital for public health.
- Further research into treatment and prevention strategies is warranted.