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Vector Borne and Zoonotic Diseases... Sep 2021constitutes a major etiologic agent of eosinophilic meningoencephalitis. The detection methods for angiostrongyliasis mainly depend on morphology or immunology. A...
constitutes a major etiologic agent of eosinophilic meningoencephalitis. The detection methods for angiostrongyliasis mainly depend on morphology or immunology. A firmer diagnosis could be reached by directly detecting the parasite in the cerebrospinal fluid or through laboratory assays that are specific for -induced antibodies or the parasite's DNA. detection could be carried out by larva release from the tissue upon pepsin digestion. However, the procedure requires live mollusks, which might complicate the analysis of large amounts of samples. Since morphological assays are limited, multiple molecular techniques have been put forward for detecting , including PCR amplification of targets followed by fragment length or DNA sequence analysis. This allows rapid and accurate identification of for efficient infection management and epidemiological purposes. In this study, we reviewed the current methods, concepts, and applications of molecular approaches to better understand the genetic characterization, molecular detection methods, and practical application of molecular detection in .
Topics: Angiostrongylus cantonensis; Animals; Larva; Polymerase Chain Reaction; Sequence Analysis, DNA; Strongylida Infections
PubMed: 34242520
DOI: 10.1089/vbz.2020.2734 -
Emerging Infectious Diseases Jun 2022Neural angiostrongyliasis is an emerging zoonosis caused by the rat lungworm, Angiostrongylus cantonensis. In humans, infection with this nematode often results in...
Neural angiostrongyliasis is an emerging zoonosis caused by the rat lungworm, Angiostrongylus cantonensis. In humans, infection with this nematode often results in eosinophilic meningitis and other severe disorders of the central nervous system. Europe was deemed a nonendemic region until 2018, when A. cantonensis worms were detected on the Mediterranean island of Mallorca, Spain, a tourism hotspot. Since that time, a sentinel surveillance system and a molecular approach have been used to follow the invasion path of the rat lungworm on the island. A. cantonensis worms have been found in animals from 8 locations on the island over 3 consecutive years. Our preliminary results show a recognizable pattern of clinical signs in infected hedgehogs and a single mitochondrial haplotype circulating in Mallorca. We present strong evidence confirming that the rat lungworm has successfully established and colonized an island in Europe and discuss observations and possible strategies for its early detection across continental Europe.
Topics: Angiostrongylus cantonensis; Animals; Meningitis; Nematoda; Rats; Spain; Strongylida Infections
PubMed: 35608603
DOI: 10.3201/eid2806.212344 -
Pathogens (Basel, Switzerland) Sep 2021Lungworms in the genus cause disease in animals and humans. The spread of within Europe and the recent establishment of increase the relevance of these species to... (Review)
Review
Lungworms in the genus cause disease in animals and humans. The spread of within Europe and the recent establishment of increase the relevance of these species to veterinary and medical practitioners, and to researchers in parasitology, epidemiology, veterinary science and ecology. This review introduces the key members of the genus present in Europe and their impacts on health, and updates the current epidemiological situation. Expansion of from localized pockets to wide distribution across the continent has been confirmed by a rising prevalence in foxes and increasing reports of infection and disease in dogs, while the list of carnivore and mustelid definitive hosts continues to grow. The tropically distributed rat lungworm , meanwhile, has been recorded on islands south of Europe, previously the Canary Islands, and now also the Balearic Islands, although so far with limited evidence of zoonotic disease. Other members of the genus, namely, , and , are native to Europe and mainly infect wildlife, with unknown consequences for populations, although spill-over can occur into domestic animals and those in zoological collections. The epidemiology of angiostrongylosis is complex, and further research is needed on parasite maintenance in sylvatic hosts, and on the roles of ecology, behaviour and genetics in disease emergence. Improved surveillance in animals and humans is also required to support risk assessments and management.
PubMed: 34684185
DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10101236 -
The Cochrane Database of Systematic... Feb 2015Angiostrongylus cantonensis (A. cantonensis) is the major cause of infectious eosinophilic meningitis. Dead larvae of this parasite cause inflammation and exacerbate... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Angiostrongylus cantonensis (A. cantonensis) is the major cause of infectious eosinophilic meningitis. Dead larvae of this parasite cause inflammation and exacerbate symptoms of meningitis. Corticosteroids are drugs used to reduce the inflammation caused by this parasite.
OBJECTIVES
To assess the efficacy and safety of corticosteroids for the treatment of eosinophilic meningitis.
SEARCH METHODS
We searched CENTRAL (2014, Issue 11), MEDLINE (1950 to November Week 3, 2014), EMBASE (1974 to December 2014), Scopus (1960 to December 2014), Web of Science (1955 to December 2014), LILACS (1982 to December 2014) and CINAHL (1981 to December 2014).
SELECTION CRITERIA
Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) of corticosteroids versus placebo for eosinophilic meningitis.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
Two review authors (SiT, SaT) independently collected and extracted study data. We graded the methodological quality of the RCTs. We identified and analysed outcomes and adverse effects.
MAIN RESULTS
We did not identifiy any new trials for inclusion or exclusion in this 2014 update. One study involving 110 participants (55 participants in each group) met our inclusion criteria. The corticosteroid (prednisolone) showed a benefit in shortening the median time to resolution of headaches (five days in the treatment group versus 13 days in the control group, P value < 0.0001). Corticosteroids were also associated with smaller numbers of participants who still had headaches after a two-week course of treatment (9.1% versus 45.5%, P value < 0.0001). The number of patients who needed repeat lumbar puncture was also smaller in the treatment group (12.7% versus 40%, P value = 0.002). There was a reduction in the median time of analgesic use in participants receiving corticosteroids (10.5 versus 25.0, P value = 0.038). There were no reported adverse effects from prednisolone in the treatment group.
AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS
Corticosteroids significantly help relieve headache in patients with eosinophilic meningitis, who have a pain score of four or more on a visual analogue scale. However, there is only one RCT supporting this benefit and this trial did not clearly mention allocation concealment and stratification. Therefore, we agreed to grade our included study as a moderate quality trial. Future well-designed RCTs are necessary.
Topics: Animals; Central Nervous System Parasitic Infections; Eosinophilia; Glucocorticoids; Humans; Meningitis; Prednisolone; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
PubMed: 25687750
DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD009088.pub3 -
Vector Borne and Zoonotic Diseases... Mar 2015Despite an apparent increase in cases of angiostrongyliasis in humans and animals in Australia, the epidemiology of infection with the two species of Angiostrongylus... (Review)
Review
Despite an apparent increase in cases of angiostrongyliasis in humans and animals in Australia, the epidemiology of infection with the two species of Angiostrongylus that co-exist in this country, namely A. cantonensis and A. mackerrasae, is poorly understood. This knowledge gap is particularly important with respect to A. mackerrasae, a species evidently native to Australia, as its ability to cause disease in humans is unknown. Likewise, there is little information on the roles of native and introduced species of rodents and molluscs as hosts of Angiostrongylus species in Australia. This review focuses on the gaps in the knowledge about the two species, highlighting the need for epidemiological and pathogenesis studies on the native lungworm A. mackerrasae.
Topics: Angiostrongylus; Animals; Australia; Central Nervous System Helminthiasis; Communicable Diseases, Emerging; Strongylida Infections
PubMed: 25793473
DOI: 10.1089/vbz.2014.1622 -
Foods (Basel, Switzerland) Mar 2022The parasitic nematode (rat lungworm) is the leading cause of human eosinophilic meningitis worldwide. Most human infections occur through the accidental consumption of...
The parasitic nematode (rat lungworm) is the leading cause of human eosinophilic meningitis worldwide. Most human infections occur through the accidental consumption of hidden within produce as infectious third-stage larvae (L3), yet little research has been published addressing possible methods to mitigate this means of transmission. Here, we describe our tests of ozone gas-an oxidizing agent-and ultrasound, both used for disinfection of food and municipal water supplies and in industrial cleaning. We found that exposure to ozone, produced using two different commercially available ozone generators over varying durations of time and concentrations, was capable of achieving 100% larval mortality. In addition, we evaluated the impact of different sound frequencies on L3 survival using two different commercially available ultrasonic cleaners, and found that 60 s of 40 kHz produced 46% mortality within 2 h. The combined use of ultrasound and ozone gas simultaneously resulted in a minimum of 89% normalized mean percent mortality within 2 h of treatment. Our study suggests that both ozone and ultrasound show high larvicidal efficacy, both independently and together, and thus show promise as methods for reducing the risk of rat lungworm infection via accidental consumption.
PubMed: 35407040
DOI: 10.3390/foods11070953 -
Parasitology Nov 2022causes a form of parasitic meningitis in humans. Albendazole (ABZ) kills nematode larvae in the brain. However, dead larvae can trigger a severe inflammatory response,...
causes a form of parasitic meningitis in humans. Albendazole (ABZ) kills nematode larvae in the brain. However, dead larvae can trigger a severe inflammatory response, resulting in brain damage. Accumulating evidence suggests that calycosin represents a potential anti-inflammatory therapeutic candidate. In this study, we investigated the combined effects of ABZ and calycosin in angiostrongyliasis caused by in BALB/c mice. Inflammatory mediators (such as phospho-nuclear factor-B, cyclooxygenase-2, matrix metalloproteinase-9, tumour necrosis factor- and interleukin-1) are associated with the development of meningitis and immune inflammatory reactions. We found that significantly induces inflammatory mediator production and increases the blood–brain barrier (BBB) permeability. However, co-administration of both ABZ and calycosin markedly suppressed meningitis and inflammatory mediator production and decreased the BBB permeability compared to treatment with a single drug. Furthermore, calycosin and ABZ plus calycosin treatment facilitated production of the antioxidant haem oxygenase-1 (HO-1). Moreover, co-therapy with ABZ and calycosin failed to mitigate angiostrongyliasis in the presence of tin-protoporphyrin IX, an HO-1-specific inhibitor. This finding suggests that the beneficial effects of ABZ plus calycosin treatment on the regulation of inflammation are mediated by the modulation of HO-1 activation. The present results provide new insights into the treatment of human angiostrongyliasis using co-therapy with ABZ and calycosin.
PubMed: 36341547
DOI: 10.1017/S0031182022001408 -
Parasitology Aug 2016Angiostrongylus cantonensis is a metastrongyloid nematode found widely in the Asia-Pacific region, and the aetiological agent of angiostrongyliasis; a disease... (Review)
Review
Angiostrongylus cantonensis is a metastrongyloid nematode found widely in the Asia-Pacific region, and the aetiological agent of angiostrongyliasis; a disease characterized by eosinophilic meningitis. Rattus rats are definitive hosts of A. cantonensis, while intermediate hosts include terrestrial and aquatic molluscs. Humans are dead-end hosts that usually become infected upon ingestion of infected molluscs. A presumptive diagnosis is often made based on clinical features, a history of mollusc consumption, eosinophilic pleocytosis in cerebral spinal fluid, and advanced imaging such as computed tomography. Serological tests are available for angiostrongyliasis, though many tests are still under development. While there is no treatment consensus, therapy often includes a combination of anthelmintics and corticosteroids. Angiostrongyliasis is relatively rare, but is often associated with morbidity and sometimes mortality. Recent reports suggest the parasites' range is increasing, leading to fatalities in regions previously considered Angiostrongylus-free, and sometimes, delayed diagnosis in newly invaded regions. Increased awareness of angiostrongyliasis would facilitate rapid diagnosis and improved clinical outcomes. This paper summarizes knowledge on the parasites' life cycle, clinical aspects and epidemiology. The molecular biology of Angiostrongylus spp. is also discussed. Attention is paid to the significance of angiostrongyliasis in Australia, given the recent severe cases reported from the Sydney region.
Topics: Angiostrongylus cantonensis; Animals; Humans; Life Cycle Stages; Rats; Snails; Strongylida Infections
PubMed: 27225800
DOI: 10.1017/S0031182016000652 -
Journal of Neuroinflammation Apr 2022Angiostrongylus cantonensis is also known as rat lungworm. Infection with this parasite is a zoonosis that can cause eosinophilic meningitis and/or eosinophilic...
BACKGROUND
Angiostrongylus cantonensis is also known as rat lungworm. Infection with this parasite is a zoonosis that can cause eosinophilic meningitis and/or eosinophilic meningoencephalitis in humans and may lead to fatal outcomes in severe cases. In this study, we explored the mechanisms of the impairments in the cognitive functions of mice infected with A. cantonensis.
METHODS
In infected mice with different infective intensities at different timepoint postinfection, loss and recovery of cognitive functions such as learning and memory abilities were determined. Neuronal death and damage to synaptic structures were analyzed by Western blotting and IHC in infected mice with different infection intensities at different timepoint postinfection.
RESULTS
The results of behavioral tests, pathological examinations, and Golgi staining showed that nerve damage caused by infection in mice occurred earlier than pathological changes of the brain. BDNF was expressed on 14 day post-infection. Cleaved caspase-3 increased significantly in the late stage of infection. However, IHC on NeuN indicated that no significant changes in the number of neurons were found between the infected and uninfected groups.
CONCLUSIONS
The synaptic loss caused by the infection of A. cantonensis provides a possible explanation for the impairment of cognitive functions in mice. The loss of cognitive functions may occur before severe immunological and pathological changes in the infected host.
Topics: Angiostrongylus cantonensis; Animals; Brain; Disease Models, Animal; Meningitis; Mice; Rats; Strongylida Infections
PubMed: 35414007
DOI: 10.1186/s12974-022-02436-8 -
Iranian Journal of Parasitology 2023The pathogen of angiostrongyliasis is the parasite and the transcriptome profiling of the male adult was unclear. We aimed to understand how the male adults adapt, so...
BACKGROUND
The pathogen of angiostrongyliasis is the parasite and the transcriptome profiling of the male adult was unclear. We aimed to understand how the male adults adapt, so the expression profile of adult males was analyzed.
METHODS
In order to improve the understanding of the transcriptome of adult males, RNA from three groups of male adult was extracted and reverse transcribed to construct cDNA libraries. After sequencing, annotation of unigenes and transcripts was performed by querying the NR (Non-Redundant Protein Sequence Database), GO (Gene Ontology) and COG/KOG (Clusters of Orthologous Groups of proteins/euKaryotic Ortholog Groups) databases.
RESULTS
For each group of adults, 43,260,894 raw reads and 43,200,341 clean reads were obtained. After successful assembly, 87,649 unigenes and 146,895 transcripts were obtained. Annotation of the unigenes and transcripts was identical and male adults expressed a series of genes encoding proteins specific to the male gender at the adult stage, such as proteins involved in energy metabolism, energy synthesis and transport. Expression of the ribosome pathway suggests a relationship with the physical activities during the adult male stage.
CONCLUSION
The transcriptome analysis is a good reference to understand further the expression profile of male adult .
PubMed: 37886258
DOI: 10.18502/ijpa.v18i3.13761