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Related Experiment Videos

Neuro-angiostrongyliasis: unresolved issues.

P Prociv1, D M Spratt, M S Carlisle

  • 1Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, University of Queensland, Queensland 4072, St. Lucia, Australia. p.prociv@mailbox.uq.edu.au

International Journal for Parasitology
|December 13, 2000
PubMed
Summary

Angiostrongylus cantonensis, the rat lungworm, has spread globally due to human activity, infecting rats and other mammals. While often associated with specific snails, numerous mollusks can serve as intermediate hosts, with only A. cantonensis confirmed as a human pathogen.

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Area of Science:

  • Veterinary Parasitology
  • Zoonotic Diseases
  • Ecology and Evolution

Background:

  • Angiostrongylus cantonensis, the rat lungworm, likely originated in Southeast Asia with Rattus species.
  • The parasite has expanded its range significantly beyond its origin, impacting numerous countries globally.
  • Human activity has been a primary driver of this dispersal, facilitated by the movement of intermediate hosts.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the evolutionary origins and geographical spread of Angiostrongylus cantonensis.
  • To identify the role of various molluscan species in the parasite's life cycle and dissemination.
  • To differentiate the pathogenic potential of Angiostrongylus species, particularly A. cantonensis in humans.

Main Methods:

  • Phylogenetic analysis to determine evolutionary origins.

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  • Geographical distribution mapping based on reported infections in definitive and intermediate hosts.
  • Review of epidemiological data on human and animal infections.
  • Comparative life cycle analysis of related Angiostrongylus species.

    • Main Results:

    • Angiostrongylus cantonensis co-evolved with Rattus hosts in Southeast Asia.
    • The parasite's range now includes Southeast Asia, Melanesia, Polynesia, Australia, Africa, India, the Caribbean, and the USA.
    • While the African giant land snail (Achatina fulica) is a known host, other mollusks are equally important, suggesting its role may be overemphasized.
    • Indigenous Angiostrongylus species in Australia (A. mackerrasae) and Southeast Asia (A. malaysiensis) share similar life cycles with A. cantonensis.
    • Only Angiostrongylus cantonensis is confirmed as a human pathogen among these species.

    Conclusions:

    • Human activities are the main drivers for the global spread of Angiostrongylus cantonensis.
    • The reliance on Achatina fulica for parasite dispersal may be overstated, as numerous mollusks act as intermediate hosts.
    • Understanding the life cycle and host range of Angiostrongylus species is crucial for managing zoonotic risks, particularly from A. cantonensis.