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Eosinophilic meningitis due to Angiostrongylus cantonensis in Switzerland

E Bärtschi1, G Bordmann, J Blum

  • 1Division of Medicine, University Hospital, CH-4101, Bruderholz, Switzerland.

Infection
|April 2, 2004
PubMed

Insights

Eosinophilic meningitis caused by the rat lung worm Angiostrongylus cantonensis can occur in travelers. Prompt diagnosis involves cerebrospinal fluid analysis and antibody detection.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Parasitology

Background:

  • Eosinophilic meningitis is endemic in regions with Angiostrongylus cantonensis, such as Southeast Asia and the Caribbean.
  • Increasing global travel facilitates the spread of rare infections to non-endemic areas.

Observation:

  • A case of eosinophilic meningitis in a traveler returning from Cuba is presented.
  • Clinical presentation included chronic meningitis symptoms and hyperesthesia.
  • Cerebrospinal fluid analysis revealed eosinophilia.

Findings:

  • Diagnosis was confirmed by identifying eosinophils in cerebrospinal fluid.
  • Specific antibody detection further validated the Angiostrongylus cantonensis infection.

Implications:

  • This case highlights the potential for encountering eosinophilic meningitis due to Angiostrongylus cantonensis in the Western Hemisphere.
  • Early diagnosis, aided by Giemsa staining of cerebrospinal fluid, is critical.
  • Increased awareness and diagnostic vigilance are necessary for rare parasitic infections in travelers.

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