Neuroangiostrongyliasis Infection Risk Near Preschool Centres in Mallorca, Spain: A Pilot Micro-Epidemiological Study

Area of Science:

• Veterinary parasitology
• Public health
• Infectious diseases

Background:

• Neuroangiostrongyliasis, caused by Angiostrongylus cantonensis, is an emerging zoonotic disease prevalent in Spain.
• Human infection typically results from ingesting infected gastropods, leading to eosinophilic meningoencephalitis, with young children being particularly vulnerable.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the risk of neuroangiostrongyliasis transmission in preschool children in an endemic area of Mallorca.
• To employ a micro-epidemiological approach to identify specific transmission pathways.

Main Methods:

• Gastropods were collected, identified, and screened for A. cantonensis larvae (L3) using qPCR.
• Spatial distribution of infected gastropods was mapped, and teacher surveys assessed children's exposure risks.

Main Results:

• Gastropod prevalence of A. cantonensis was 7.38%, with slugs showing higher infection rates (28.2%).
• Three slug species, including a new global host record (D. panormitanum), were confirmed carriers of L3 larvae.
• Infected slugs clustered near a positive rat detection site, and children were observed placing gastropods in their mouths.

Conclusions:

• Multiple risk factors for neuroangiostrongyliasis transmission to children were identified in Mallorca.
• There is a need for enhanced surveillance, diagnostics, and public health interventions to prevent paediatric infections in Spain.