-
The American Journal of Case Reports Dec 2023BACKGROUND Angiostrongylus cantonensis, also known as the rat lungworm, is the most common parasitic cause of human eosinophilic meningitis. A. cantonensis infection is...
BACKGROUND Angiostrongylus cantonensis, also known as the rat lungworm, is the most common parasitic cause of human eosinophilic meningitis. A. cantonensis infection is an emergent disease causing permanent neurological injury or even death when not diagnosed and treated promptly. Usually, human infection occurs through ingestion of food contaminated by intermediated hosts or the third stage larvae of A. cantonensis. Indicators for diagnosis include clinical signs of meningitis; contact history, such as that from eating raw or improperly cooked intermediated hosts or contaminated vegetables; and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) eosinophilia. However, diagnosis is now primarily defined through polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay of CSF or serum. CASE REPORT A 66-year-old homeless man with unclear exposure history presented with fever and conscious change. The initial hemogram showed eosinophilia without neutrophilic leukocytosis. Non-contrast computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the head revealed no evidence of stroke. A lumbar puncture was performed and showed eosinophilic meningitis. The patient was ultimately diagnosed through PCR and sequencing for A. cantonensis infection, and dexamethasone treatment was started immediately. Although his general condition improved after dexamethasone treatment, his mental status did not improve completely. CONCLUSIONS Our report highlights the importance of applying molecular techniques in diagnosis of angiostrongylosis, especially in individuals who have unknown contact history.
Topics: Aged; Animals; Humans; Male; Angiostrongylus cantonensis; Dexamethasone; Eosinophilia; Leukocytosis; Meningitis
PubMed: 38044596
DOI: 10.12659/AJCR.941925 -
Journal de Mycologie Medicale Mar 2024Exophiala dermatitidis is a relatively common environmental black yeast with a worldwide distribution that rarely causes fungal infection. Here, we report a case of a... (Review)
Review
Concurrent infection of Exophiala dermatitidis and Angiostrongylus cantonensis in central nervous system of a child with inherited CARD9 deficiency: A case report and literature review.
Exophiala dermatitidis is a relatively common environmental black yeast with a worldwide distribution that rarely causes fungal infection. Here, we report a case of a 6-year-old girl with central nervous system (CNS) encephalitis caused by E. dermatitidis and Angiostrongylus cantonensis. E. dermatitidis was identified by both cerebrospinal fluid culture and metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS). Angiostrongylus cantonensis infection was confirmed by an enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Whole exome sequencing showed that this previously healthy girl carried a homozygous CARD9 mutation for c.820dupG (p.D274Gfs*61) that underlies invasive fungal and parasite infections. We chose glucocortieoid pulse therapy and anti-infective therapy based on the initial results of laboratory examination and cranial MRI images. With the aggravation of the disease and the evidence of the subsequent etiologic test, the combination of antifungal antiparasitic treatments (voriconazole, fluorocytosine and amphotericin B) were actively used. Unfortunately, the girl finally died due to severe systemic infection. mNGS performs a potential value for diagnosing rare CNS infections, and autosomal recessive CARD9 deficiency should be considered in patient with fatal invasive fungal infections.
Topics: Child; Animals; Female; Humans; Angiostrongylus cantonensis; Central Nervous System; Candidiasis, Chronic Mucocutaneous; Exophiala; CARD Signaling Adaptor Proteins
PubMed: 38042015
DOI: 10.1016/j.mycmed.2023.101455 -
Parasitology International Apr 2024Angiostrongylus spp. (Metastrongyloidea) can cause severe disease in several animal species and humans. This report describes an infection with Angiostrongylus dujardini...
Angiostrongylus spp. (Metastrongyloidea) can cause severe disease in several animal species and humans. This report describes an infection with Angiostrongylus dujardini in a captive coconut lorikeet (Trichoglossus haematodus) from a zoo in Switzerland. The bird was reported being attacked by conspecifics, removed from the flock, and hospitalized. It showed lethargy, moderately reduced body condition, and lack of reaction to visual stimuli. Analgesic and antibiotic treatment were initiated but because of worsening of its general condition, the bird was euthanized the following day. Necropsy revealed multifocal, subcutaneous hemorrhages, diffusely reddened lungs and a moderately dilated right heart with several intraluminal nematodes embedded in a coagulum. Four worms were collected and microscopically examined. They were identified as adult females, measuring 19-21 mm long x 0.4-0.5 mm wide, with general morphological and morphometric characteristics consistent with angiostrongylid nematodes. In lung sections, multifocal collection of thin-walled embryonated eggs in variable stages of development was observed along with fully developed nematode larvae within the lumina of alveoli and lung vessels. Associated granulomatous infiltrates indicated a severe, multifocal, chronic, granulomatous pneumonia. The diagnosis of A. dujardini infection was formulated by morphological examination of adult and larval stages, supported by molecular analysis (PCR-amplification and sequencing of the ITS2, 5.8S and 28S rDNA flanking regions). This is the first report of A. dujardini infection in an avian species, providing evidence that birds can serve as accidental hosts of this parasite in addition to mammals, and that the parasite can reach maturity and multiply in the avian cardiorespiratory system.
Topics: Animals; Female; Humans; Switzerland; Lung; Heart; Angiostrongylus; Strongylida Infections; Parrots; Mammals
PubMed: 38030119
DOI: 10.1016/j.parint.2023.102829 -
One Health (Amsterdam, Netherlands) Dec 2023Neural angiostrongyliasis (NA) is a parasitic disease caused by (rat lungworm). This study presents a case of NA in a captive Bolivian squirrel monkey from a zoo in...
Neural angiostrongyliasis (NA) is a parasitic disease caused by (rat lungworm). This study presents a case of NA in a captive Bolivian squirrel monkey from a zoo in western Sydney, Australia. The objective was to identify the 1 haplotype responsible for the infection and compare its mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) to known Australian mtDNA. An epidemiological investigation was conducted to assess the risk of infection, focusing on the resident rat population in the zoo. Methods involved trapping rats and collecting rat faeces for detection, speciation, and 1 haplotype confirmation. Various techniques were employed, including necropsy, morphological examination, and molecular methods such as ITS-2 qPCR, 1 sequencing, and ITS-2 metabarcoding. Cluster analysis of rat faeces distribution and detection utilised an equal sampling effort (ESE) approach. Gastropods were collected throughout the study for surveillance using a hypersensitive qPCR assay. Results revealed significant clustering of rat faeces near exhibits with fresh food provision and absence of predators. -positive faeces were uniformly distributed across the zoo property. Mitochondrial DNA analysis confirmed the presence of the Ac13 haplotype of in the monkey. Morphology, ITS-2 metabarcoding and partial 1 sequencing detected only , with the Ac13 1 haplotype predominating. A high prevalence of infection (64%, 9/14) was found in brown rats, with quantification of larvae indicating high shedding rates. Co-infections with both Ac13 and local SYD.1 1 haplotypes were observed. Only three gastropods (all of which were -negative) were found in the survey. To minimise the risk of exposure for susceptible species, targeted rodent control was implemented in areas with higher exposure risk. A potential strategy (which requires further exploration) to consider for future zoo design was suggested. This study provides insights into the epidemiology and genetic diversity of in Australia, emphasising the importance of control measures to prevent future outbreaks.
PubMed: 38024275
DOI: 10.1016/j.onehlt.2023.100628 -
Infectious Diseases of Poverty Nov 2023Gastropoda, the largest class within the phylum Mollusca, houses diverse gut microbiota, and some gastropods serve as intermediate hosts for parasites. Studies have... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Gastropoda, the largest class within the phylum Mollusca, houses diverse gut microbiota, and some gastropods serve as intermediate hosts for parasites. Studies have revealed that gut bacteria in gastropods are associated with various biological aspects, such as growth, immunity and host-parasite interactions. Here, we summarize our current knowledge of gastropod gut microbiomes and highlight future research priorities and perspectives.
METHODS
A literature search was undertaken using PubMed, Web of Science and CNKI for the articles on the gut microbiota of gastropods until December 31, 2022. We retrieved a total of 166 articles and identified 73 eligible articles for inclusion in this review based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria.
RESULTS
Our analysis encompassed freshwater, seawater and land snails, with a specific focus on parasite-transmitting gastropods. We found that most studies on gastropod gut microbiota have primarily utilized 16S rRNA gene sequencing to analyze microbial composition, rather than employing metagenomic, metatranscriptomic, or metabolomic approaches. This comprehensive review provided an overview of the parasites carried by snail species in the context of gut microbiota studies. We presented the gut microbial trends, a comprehensive summary of the diversity and composition, influencing factors, and potential functions of gastropod gut microbiota. Additionally, we discussed the potential applications, research gaps and future perspectives of gut microbiomes in parasite-transmitting gastropods. Furthermore, several strategies for enhancing our comprehension of gut microbiomes in snails were also discussed.
CONCLUSIONS
This review comprehensively summarizes the current knowledge on the composition, potential function, influencing factors, potential applications, limitations, and challenges of gut microbiomes in gastropods, with a specific emphasis on parasite-transmitting gastropods. These findings provide important insights for future studies aiming to understand the potential role of gastropod gut microbiota in controlling snail populations and snail-borne diseases.
Topics: Animals; Parasites; Gastrointestinal Microbiome; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S; Snails; Host-Parasite Interactions
PubMed: 38001502
DOI: 10.1186/s40249-023-01159-z -
Pathogens (Basel, Switzerland) Oct 2023Angiostrongyliasis is a parasitic disease caused by larvae of the genus , with and being the two main species causing diseases in humans [...].
Angiostrongyliasis is a parasitic disease caused by larvae of the genus , with and being the two main species causing diseases in humans [...].
PubMed: 37887730
DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12101214 -
Parasites & Vectors Oct 2023Pathogen outbreaks mostly originate from animals, but some species are more likely to trigger epidemics. The giant land snail (Lissachatina fulica) is a widespread... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Pathogen outbreaks mostly originate from animals, but some species are more likely to trigger epidemics. The giant land snail (Lissachatina fulica) is a widespread invader, a popular exotic pet, and a notorious vector of the rat lungworm, causing eosinophilic meningitis in humans. However, a comprehensive assessment of the risks of disease outbreak associated with this species is lacking.
METHODS
We assessed and mapped the risk of disease transmission associated with the invasion and pet trade of L. fulica. First, we conducted a review of the scientific literature to list all known L. fulica parasites and pathogens and query host-pathogen databases to identify their potential mammalian hosts. Then, to assess the potential for L. fulica to spread globally, we modelled its suitable climatic conditions and tested whether, within climatically suitable areas, the species tended to occur near humans or not. Finally, we used social media data to map L. fulica possession as an exotic pet and to identify human behaviours associated with increased risk of disease transmission.
RESULTS
Lissachatina fulica can carry at least 36 pathogen species, including two-thirds that can infect humans. The global invasion of L. fulica is climatically limited to tropical areas, but the species is strongly associated with densely populated areas where snails are more likely to enter in contact with humans. In temperate countries, however, climatic conditions should prevent L. fulica's spread. However, we show that in Europe, giant snails are popular exotic pets and are often handled with direct skin contact, likely increasing the risk of pathogen transmission to their owners.
CONCLUSIONS
It is urgent to raise public awareness of the health risks associated with L. fulica in both tropical countries and Europe and to regulate its trade and ownership internationally. Our results highlight the importance of accounting for multiple types of human-wildlife interactions when assessing risks of infectious disease emergence. Furthermore, by targeting the species most likely to spread pathogens, we show that it is possible to rapidly identify emerging disease risks on a global scale, thus guiding timely and appropriate responses.
Topics: Humans; Animals; Rats; Snails; Animals, Wild; Angiostrongylus cantonensis; Communicable Diseases; Europe; Mammals
PubMed: 37848903
DOI: 10.1186/s13071-023-06000-y -
Emerging Infectious Diseases Oct 2023Rat lungworm (Angiostrongylus cantonensis), a zoonotic parasite invasive to the United States, causes eosinophilic meningoencephalitis. A. cantonensis harbors in rat...
Rat lungworm (Angiostrongylus cantonensis), a zoonotic parasite invasive to the United States, causes eosinophilic meningoencephalitis. A. cantonensis harbors in rat reservoir hosts and is transmitted through gastropods and other paratenic hosts. We discuss the public health relevance of autochthonous A. cantonensis cases in brown rats (Rattus norvegicus) in Atlanta, Georgia, USA.
Topics: Animals; Rats; Georgia; Strongylida Infections; Gastropoda; Angiostrongylus cantonensis
PubMed: 37735783
DOI: 10.3201/eid2910.230706 -
Journal of Microbiology, Immunology,... Dec 2023The immunoglobulin E (IgE) response to Angiostrongylus cantonensis infection increases in the host. This study analyzed the IgG and IgE responses detected in different...
BACKGROUND
The immunoglobulin E (IgE) response to Angiostrongylus cantonensis infection increases in the host. This study analyzed the IgG and IgE responses detected in different body fluids of A. cantonensis-infected mice.
METHODS
BALB/c (high susceptibility), CBA (medium), and C57BL/6 and C57BL/10 (resistance) strain mice were used in this study. The levels of IgM, IgG, and IgE in the serum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from infected mice were compared. A. cantonensis-reactive antigens from BALB/c and C57BL/6 mice CSF were also analyzed.
RESULTS
Antibodies against fifth-stage larvae (L5) antigens increased in mice CSF, particularly IgE, relate to worm rejection and the susceptibility of different mouse strains. The increased IgE level in BALB/c mice CSF is lower than that from others, suggesting IgE response in brain is more important than that in serum. Anti-L5 and anti-excretory/secretory (ES) antigen IgE and IgG responses in CSF were analyzed. In addition, the antibody-dependent eosinophil-mediated cytotoxicity induced by anti-excretory/secretory (ES) antigen antibodies may be the reason of severe brain inflammation in infected BALB/c mice. IgE and IgG antibodies against a 105 kDa protein of L5 antigen was detected at week 3 post-infection in C57BL/6 mice and week 5 post-infection in BALB/c mice. We suggest that 105 kDa protein is related with the antibody response of A. cantonensis-infected mice.
CONCLUSION
We found that IgE antibodies in mice CSF against L5 antigens related to worm rejection in mice brains. This study may help to identify specific angiostrongyliasis markers that can be applied for clinical diagnosis and treatment in future.
Topics: Mice; Animals; Angiostrongylus cantonensis; Antibody Formation; Mice, Inbred CBA; Mice, Inbred C57BL; Immunoglobulin E; Strongylida Infections; Brain; Immunoglobulin G; Mice, Inbred BALB C
PubMed: 37689501
DOI: 10.1016/j.jmii.2023.08.012 -
Journal of Current Ophthalmology 2023To report the clinical course and optical coherence tomography (OCT) findings of ocular angiostrongyliasis.
PURPOSE
To report the clinical course and optical coherence tomography (OCT) findings of ocular angiostrongyliasis.
METHODS
A 36-year-old female with a history of ingesting regular raw freshwater shrimp and other raw food presented with acute unilateral painless visual loss in the right eye. Her right eye's best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was 1 ft of the count finger. Fundus examination showed vitritis, generalized retinal pigment epithelial alteration, and a moving roundworm in the vitreous at the 6 o'clock position. Macular OCT of her right eye showed thinning of the retina, loss of the external limiting membrane and ellipsoid zone, subretinal hyper-reflective material clumping, and hyper-reflective foci at the superficial choroidal layer.
RESULTS
The patient was administered oral and topical prednisolone. The roundworm, identified as , was wholly extracted from the vitreous using a 23G sclerotomy port and pars plana vitrectomy. The final BCVA was 1 ft of the count finger.
CONCLUSION
This case report describes an infrequent presentation and illustrates the clinical course and OCT findings of ocular angiostrongyliasis.
PubMed: 37680295
DOI: 10.4103/joco.joco_137_22