An infection that is caused by nematodes of the genus Gnathostoma, which is commonly found in Southeast Asia, and which is transmitted via the consumption of contaminated raw/undercooked birds, eels, fish, frogs, or reptiles. The pattern of symptoms is species-dependent, and extraintestinal manifestations are due to larval migration (e.g., pulmonary infiltrates, eosinophilic meningitis, or painful, pruritic subcutaneous swellings, and peripheral blood eosinophilia).

Infections with nematodes of the genus GNATHOSTOMA, superfamily THELAZIOIDEA. Gnathostomiasis is a food-borne zoonosis caused by eating undercooked or raw fish or meat.

Gnathostomiasis is a rare infection that most often results from ingestion of the third-stage larvae of the nematode Gnathostoma spinigerum, although several other species also cause human disease. The larvae may be found in raw or undercooked meat (eg, freshwater fish, chicken, snails, frogs, pigs) or in contaminated water.