Invasive slug

Area of Science:

• Parasitology
• Veterinary Entomology
• Public Health

Background:

• Angiostrongyliasis is a parasitic disease caused by Angiostrongylus nematodes.
• Molluscs are known intermediate hosts for Angiostrongylus species.
• Abdominal angiostrongyliasis has been diagnosed in a grape farmer in southern Brazil.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate molluscs in southern Brazil as potential intermediate hosts for Angiostrongylus costaricensis.
• To identify the species of slug involved in local transmission cycles.
• To assess the role of Meghimatium pictum in the epidemiology of abdominal angiostrongyliasis.

Main Methods:

• Nocturnal surveys were conducted to collect slugs in the affected area.
• Collected slugs were identified morphologically and taxonomically.
• Larval stages of Angiostrongylus costaricensis were isolated from slugs.
• Experimental infections in mice were performed using larvae from identified slugs.

Main Results:

• 245 specimens of the invasive Chinese slug, Meghimatium pictum, were collected.
• Larvae of Angiostrongylus costaricensis were recovered from 11 (4.5%) of the collected slugs.
• This study confirms M. pictum as an intermediate host for A. costaricensis.
• Slugs were frequently found on grape plants, suggesting a link to grape cultivation.

Conclusions:

• Meghimatium pictum is identified as a novel intermediate host for Angiostrongylus costaricensis in Brazil.
• The prevalence of infection in M. pictum indicates its significant role in local parasite transmission.
• Consumption of contaminated produce, such as grapes, may be a route of human infection.