Angiostrongyliasis or Rat Lungworm Disease: a Perspective From Hawai'i

AbstractPurpose of ReviewAngiostrongyliasis is contracted by the ingestion of or exposure to the zoonotic parasiteAngiostrongylus cantonensis, which requires two hosts to complete its life cycle. Rats are known to be the definitive hosts and mollusks are intermediate hosts. It is the intermediate host, or infected paratenic hosts that can pass the infective stage of the disease to humans and other susceptible animals. The purpose of this review is to examine the growing threat ofA. cantonensis and its consequences, with particular emphasis on Hawai'i.Recent FindingsThe increase in disease cases appears to correlate with the migration of the molluskParmarion martensi (semi-slug) in Hawai'i. The semi-slug is a very effective host because it carries a heavy burden of the parasite. Rats in Hawai'i also carry heavy parasite burdens. Human diagnosis is difficult due to varied incubation times, multitude of symptoms which can mimic other illnesses, and lack of a low-risk effective diagnostic. Treatment varies with the severity of the symptoms.SummaryThe introduction and proliferation of the invasive speciesA. cantonensis, along with a most efficient intermediate hostP. martensi, has resulted in an increase in angiostrongyliasis in Hawai'i. In Hawai'i, consumption of local produce is encouraged and the use of rainwater harvesting is a necessity for many on Hawai'i Island, both of which elevate the risk of acquiring angiostrongyliasis. A better understanding of how to best reduce the ...
Source: Current Tropical Medicine Reports - Category: Tropical Medicine Source Type: research