Frequency of gastrointestinal parasites in Creole horses from the Southern Rio Grande do Sul / Frequência de parasitos gastrintestinais em equinos da raça Crioula do sul do Rio Grande do Sul

A criação de equinos brasileira movimenta anualmente cerca de R$ 16,15 bilhões e impulsiona o setor econômico primário do país. O mercado de animais da raça Crioula vem se expandindo devido ao seu alto potencial zootécnico. No Rio Grande do Sul, a criação é tipicamente extensiva, aliada, muitas vezes, à alta densidade animal, o que favorece as constantes infecções por diversos parasitos. O objetivo deste estudo foi analisar retrospectivamente a frequência de parasitos gastrointestinais em cavalos da raça Crioula naturalmente infectados na região sul do Rio Grande do Sul. Foram utilizadas 585 amostras de fezes de equinos da raça Crioula, adultos, de ambos os sexos, recebidas de criatórios e centros reprodutivos localizados na região. Do total de amostras, 89,74% (525/585) foram positivas para algum helminto. Em 57,60% (337/585) das amostras, observaram-se somente ovos da família Strongylidae. Infecções por Parascaris spp. e Strongyloides sp., apresentaram frequências de 2,22% (13/585) e 1,53% (9/585), respectivamente. Assim, pode-se concluir que os parasitos mais frequentes na população equina da região sul do RS pertencem à família Strongylidae.(AU)

Prevalence of Angiostrongylus cantonensis and Angiostrongylus costaricensis in Achatina fulica snails in the municipality of São Bernardo do Campo (SP, Brazil) / Prevalência de Angiostrongylus cantonensis e Angiostrongylus costaricensis em caramujos Achatina fulica na cidade de São Bernardo do Campo (SP, Brasil)

Angiostrongylus cantonensis e Angiostrongylus costaricensis são nematoides parasitas que residem em roedores e usam gastrópodes como hospedeiros intermediários. Achatina fulica, conhecida como caramujo-gigante-africano, é um hospedeiro intermediário que desempenha importante papel na dispersão de A. cantonensis e A. costaricensis, patógenos zoonóticos que causam, respectivamente, meningoencefalite eosinofílica e angiostrongilíase abdominal em humanos. O objetivo deste estudo foi o de coletar caramujos (A. fulica, n=90) de oito regiões diferentes (Rudge Ramos, Baeta Neves, Planalto, Demarchi, Dos Alvarengas, Batistini, Montanhão, Rio Grande) da cidade de São Bernardo do Campo (SP) para detecção molecular de A. cantonensis ou A. costaricensis pela técnica de reação em cadeia da polimerase (PCR). As amostras foram processadas em pools (n=25) segundo a região de coleta. Com exceção da região de Baeta Neves, as demais apresentaram caramujos infectados com larvas de nematoides. Seis regiões apresentaram amostras positivas para A. cantonensis. Quatorze (56%) das 25 amostras em pool apresentaram larvas de nematoides, e 52% delas (13/25) foram positivas para A. cantonensis. Nenhuma amostra positiva para A. costaricensis foi encontrada. A presença de A. fulica naturalmente infectada por A. cantonensis deve servir como um alerta para as autoridades de saúde pública sobre o risco potencial de infecção para humanos.(AU)

Angiostrongylus (Parastrongylus) cantonensis en huéspedes intermediarios y definitivos en Ecuador, 2014-2017 / Angiostrongylus (Parastrongylus) cantonensis on intermediate and definitive hosts in Ecuador, 2014-2017

Resumen Introducción. Angiostrongylus cantonensis es un serio problema de salud pública y está ampliamente distribuido en el país. Cuando el parásito infecta a los caracoles terrestres Achatina, se enquista en su interior y puede infectar accidentalmente a las personas y otros mamíferos. Objetivo. Establecer la distribución geográfica de A. cantonensis en huéspedes intermediarios (Achatina fulica) y definitivos (Rattus spp.) en Ecuador entre el 2014 y el 2017. Materiales y métodos. Se recolectaron 2.908 ejemplares de A. fulica en 16 provincias utilizando el método de captura por unidad de esfuerzo durante 30 minutos. Se capturaron 211 ejemplares de las especies huéspedes, de los cuales 20 eran Rattus rattus y 191 R. norvegicus. Los ejemplares fueron transportados para su análisis al Instituto Nacional de Salud Pública e Investigación en Guayaquil. En los tejidos del caracol se identificaron y se contabilizaron larvas L3 que luego se inocularon en ratas de laboratorio para reproducir el ciclo de vida. En los roedores se disecaron los cerebros, los corazones, las arterias pulmonares y los pulmones, y se identificaron los parásitos por morfología taxonómica. Resultados. De los caracoles recolectados se encontraron 441 positivos para A. cantonensis (15,2 %) y un total de 6.166 larvas L3. En los ejemplaresRattus spp. capturados (211), 77 (36,5 %) estaban infectados con A. cantonensis, con un total de 220 parásitos (larvas L4-L5 y adultos). Conclusiones. Se constató la presencia de A. cantonensis en varias provincias, lo que confirma el carácter endémico de esta zoonosis en el territorio nacional. La presencia de Rattus spp., huésped definitivo del parásito, y de huéspedes intermediarios, indica el potencial zoonótico de esta infección parasitaria.

Abstract Introduction: Angiostrongylus cantonensis is a serious public health problem and is widely distributed in the country. When the parasite infects the snails, it becomes deeply embedded in their interior and accidentally, it can infect people and other mammals. Objective: To establish the geographical distribution of A. cantonensis intermediate hosts (Achatina fulica) and definitive hosts (Rattus spp.) in Ecuador from 2014 to 2017. Materials and methods: We collected 2,908 A. fulica specimens in 16 provinces using the capture method per unit of effort for 30 minutes. We captured 211 hosts of which 20 were Rattus rattus and 191 R. norvegicus. The specimens were transported to the Instituto Nacional de Salud Pública e Investigación in Guayaquil where the larvae L3 were identified and counted in the tissues of the snail, which were then inoculated in laboratory rats to reproduce the life cycle. In the rodents, the brains, hearts, lung arteries and lungs were dissected, and the parasites were identified by taxonomic morphology. Results: Of the snails harvested, 441 were positive for A. cantonensis (15.2%) and a total of 6,166 L3 larvae were found; 77 (36.5%) specimens of Rattus spp., were infected with A. cantonensis and a total of 220 parasites (L4-L5 larvae and adult worms) were collected. Conclusions: We confirmed the presence of A. cantonensis in several provinces, which ratifies the endemic nature of this zoonosis in the national territory. Rattus spp. specimens constitute the definitive hosts of the parasite, which together with the presence of intermediate hosts, indicates the zoonotic potential of this parasitic infection.

Angiostrongylus spp. in the Americas: geographical and chronological distribution of definitive hosts versus disease reports

BACKGROUND Angiostrongyliasis is an infection caused by nematode worms of the genus Angiostrongylus. The adult worms inhabit the pulmonary arteries, heart, bronchioles of the lung, or mesenteric arteries of the caecum of definitive host. Of a total of 23 species of Angiostrongylus cited worldwide, only nine were registered in the American Continent. Two species, A. cantonensis and A. costaricensis, are considered zoonoses when the larvae accidentally parasitise man. OBJECTIVES In the present study, geographical and chronological distribution of definitive hosts of Angiostrongylus in the Americas is analysed in order to observe their relationship with disease reports. Moreover, the role of different definitive hosts as sentinels and dispersers of infective stages is discussed. METHODS The study area includes the Americas. First records of Angiostrongylus spp. in definitive or accidental hosts were compiled from the literature. Data were included in tables and figures and were matched to geographic information systems (GIS). FINDINGS Most geographical records of Angiostrongylus spp. both for definitive and accidental hosts belong to tropical areas, mainly equatorial zone. In relation to those species of human health importance, as A. cantonensis and A. costaricensis, most disease cases indicate a coincidence between the finding of definitive host and disease record. However, in some geographic site there are gaps between report of definitive host and disease record. In many areas, human populations have invaded natural environments and their socioeconomic conditions do not allow adequate medical care. MAIN CONCLUSIONS Consequently, many cases for angiostrongyliasis could have gone unreported or unrecognised throughout history and in the nowadays. Moreover, the population expansion and the climatic changes invite to make broader and more complete range of observation on the species that involve possible epidemiological risks. This paper integrates and shows the current distribution of Angiostrongylus species in America, being this information very relevant for establishing prevention, monitoring and contingency strategies in the region.

Angiostrongylus cantonensis infection in molluscs in the municipality of São Gonçalo, a metropolitan area of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil: role of the invasive species Achatina fulica in parasite transmission dynamics

The aim of this study was to analyse the infection dynamics ofAngiostrongylus cantonensisin its possible intermediate hosts over two years in an urban area in the state of Rio de Janeiro where the presence ofA. cantonensis had been previously recorded in molluscs. Four of the seven mollusc species found in the study were exotic.Bradybaena similariswas the most abundant, followed byAchatina fulica, Streptaxissp., Subulina octona, Bulimulus tenuissimus, Sarasinula linguaeformisand Leptinaria unilamellata. Only A. fulicaand B. similariswere parasitised by A. cantonensis and both presented co-infection with other helminths. The prevalence of A. cantonensisin A. fulicawas more than 50% throughout the study. There was an inverse correlation between the population size ofA. fulicaand the prevalence of A. cantonensisand abundance of the latter was negatively related to rainfall. The overall prevalence of A. cantonensisin B. similariswas 24.6%. A. fulicawas the most important intermediary host of A. cantonensisin the studied area andB. similariswas secondary in importance for A. cantonensistransmission dynamics.

Eosinophilic meningitis caused by Angiostrongylus cantonensis: an emergent disease in Brazil

Eosinophilic meningitis (EoM) is an acute disease that affects the central nervous system. It is primarily caused by infection with the nematode Angiostrongylus cantonensis. This infection was previously restricted to certain Asian countries and the Pacific Islands, but it was first reported in Brazil in 2007. Since then, intermediate and definitive hosts infected with A. cantonensis have been identified within the urban areas of many states in Brazil, including those in the northern, northeastern, southeastern and southern regions. The goals of this review are to draw the attention of the medical community and health centres to the emergence of EoM in Brazil, to compile information about several aspects of the human infection and mode of transmission and to provide a short protocol of procedures for the diagnosis of this disease.

Comprehensive Review of Ocular Angiostrongyliasis with Special Reference to Optic Neuritis

Angiostrongyliasis, caused by Angiostrongylus cantonensis infection, is a food-borne parasitic disease. Its larvae evoke eosinophilic inflammation in the central nervous system, but can also cause pathological changes in the eyes. Among ocular angiostrongyliasis cases, the incidence of optic neuritis is low and only few sporadic reports exist. Some patients with optic neuritis developed obvious hypopsia or even vision loss, which would seriously influence the quality of life of patients. Prompt treatment of optic neuritis caused by A. cantonensis is the key factor for minimizing the incidence of serious complications of this disease. In this review, we first provide a comprehensive overview of ocular angiostrongyliasis, and then focus on the clinical features of optic neuritis caused by A. cantonensis.

Prevalencia de helmintos intestinales en gatos domésticos del departamento del Quindío, Colombia / Prevalence of intestinal helminths in cats in Quindío, Colombia

Introducción. Las enfermedades producidas por helmintos están ampliamente distribuidas en el mundo y muchas de ellas se consideran zoonosis. Los animales de compañía cumplen un papel trascendental en la transmisión a los humanos. Objetivo. Determinar la prevalencia de helmintos intestinales en gatos del departamento del Quindío. Materiales y métodos. Se estudiaron 121 gatos domésticos del departamento del Quindío, de los cuales se registraron los datos de sexo, edad y condición corporal. Se recolectaron heces y se procesaron mediante las técnicas de Ritchie modificada y de Kato-Katz. Resultados. De los 121 gatos, 42,14 % (IC95%: 33,35-50,94) y 45,45 % (IC95%: 36,58-54,32) resultaron parasitados con alguna especie de helminto adulto según la presencia de huevos en sus heces, mediante las técnicas de Ritchie y de Kato-Katz, respectivamente. Toxocara cati fue el parásito más prevalente(Ritchie: 37,2 %; Kato-Katz: 43 %), seguido por Ancylostoma spp. (Ritchie: 7,43 %; Kato-Katz: 5,78 %) y Aelurostrongylus abstrusus (Ritchie: 0,82 %). Sesenta y cinco (53,71 %) gatos eran hembras y 56 (46,28 %) eran machos; la prevalencia de infección fue similar en ambos sexos. Los felinos mayores de 4 años de edad presentaron mayor prevalencia de parásitos (81,8 %), seguidos por los de 1 a 4 años (48,8 %) y, por último, por los menores de un año (28,6 %). Se encontró una buena condición corporal en 77,68 % y este grupo presentó menor frecuencia de helmintos intestinales. Conclusión. La prevalencia de helmintos intestinales en gatos domésticos del departamento del Quindío fue de 43,8 %, lo que hace necesario establecer programas de vigilancia y prevención en la población humana y felina.

Introduction. Diseases caused by helminths are widely distributed in the world and many of them are considered zoonoses in which pets play a major role in transmission to humans. Objective. The prevalence of intestinal helminths was determined in cats in Quindío Province. Materials and methods. One hundred twenty-one cats were characterized --data recorded included sex, age and body condition. Fecal samples were collected and processed using the modified Ritchie and modified Kato-Katz techniques to determine the presence of intestinal helminths. Results. Of the 121 cats, 42.1%, (95% CI: 33.4-50.9) and 45.5% (95% CI: 36.6-54.3) were parasitized with at least one adult helminth species as evidenced by the presence of eggs in their fecal samples. Toxocara cati was the most prevalent parasite (Ritchie: 37.2%, Kato-Katz: 43%), followed by Ancylostoma spp. (Ritchie: 7.4%, Kato-Katz: 5.8%) and Aelurostrongylus abstrusus (Ritchie: 0.82%). Sixty-five cats (53.7%) were females and 56 (46.3%) males; the prevalence of infection was similar in both sexes. Cats older than 4 years had the highest prevalence (81.8%) followed by those aged 1 to 4 years (48.8%) and by those under 1 year (28.6%). The majority of cats, 77.7%, were found to be in good body condition and this group had the lowest frequency of intestinal helminths with both techniques. Conclusion. The prevalence of intestinal helminths in domestic cats in Quindío was 43.8%; it is necessary to establish surveillance and prevention programs in the human and feline populations.

Neuroimmunological findings of Angiostrongylus cantonensis meningitis in ecuadorian patients / Hallazgos neuroinmunologicos en meningitis por Angiostrongylus cantonesis en pacientes ecuatorianos

Meningitis caused by Angiostrongylus cantonensis has recently been reported in patients resulting from the first outbreaks in subtropical regions of Ecuador. METHOD: Eight young adult patients from the two outbreaks were studied. IgA, IgM, IgG and albumin in cerebrospinal fluid and serum were quantified and plotted in cerebrospinal fluid/serum quotient diagrams (Reibergrams). The anamnesis on the patients included asking about any consumption of raw snails, symptoms and harm caused. RESULTS: Mean eosinophilia of 7.5 percent and 26 percent in serum and cerebrospinal fluid respectively was observed, as well as a moderate increase in total proteins. The most frequent pattern of intrathecal synthesis was observed in three classes of immunoglobulins. Intrathecal synthesis of IgM was observed in all cases two weeks after the first symptoms appeared. CONCLUSION: The intrathecal synthesis patterns of eosinophilic meningitis due to Angiostrongylus cantonensis, facilitated by cerebrospinal fluid analysis, were similar to those of previous cases from abroad.

La meningitis provocada por Angiostrongylus cantonensis ha sido reportada recientemente en pacientes procedentes de los primeros brotes reportados en regiones subtropicales de Ecuador. MÉTODO: Ocho adultos jóvenes procedentes de dos brotes fueron estudiados. Se cuantificó IgA, IgM, IgG y albúmina en suero y líquido cefalorraquídeo y fueron colocados en los gráficos de las razones líquido cefalorraquídeo/suero (reibergramas). La anamnesia incluía ingestión de caracoles crudos, los síntomas y los daños provocados. RESULTADOS: Una eosinofílica promedio de 7,5 y 26 por ciento en suero y líquido cefalorraquídeo fue observada al igual que un moderado incremento en las proteínas totales. El patrón de síntesis intratecal predominante fue de tres clases de inmunoglobulinas. La síntesis intratecal de IgM se observó en todos los casos a las dos semanas después del inicio de los síntomas. CONCLUSIÓN: El patrón de síntesis intratecal de la meningitis eosinofílica por Angiostrongylus cantonensis facilitado por el análisis del líquido cefalorraquídeo fue similar a los casos previos reportados fuera del país.

Impactos socioeconômicos de uma doença emergente / Socioeconomic impacts of an emerging disease

Em 1995, ocorreu uma praga de lesmas identificadas como Sarasinula linguaeformis (Semper, 1885), que prejudicou as lavouras situadas entre os municípios de Nova Itaberaba e Planalto Alegre, no oeste do estado de Santa Catarina, Brasil. Neste artigo analisamos os impactos socioeconômicos provocados pela ocorrência desta praga, que sinalizou a possibilidade, posteriormente verificada, da emergência de casos de angiostrongilíase abdominal. Os dados foram coletados através de observação do estudo soroepidemiológico realizado na região durante o período de agosto de 2000 a agosto de 2001 pela equipe de pesquisa da Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS), entrevistas com técnicos da Empresa de Pesquisa Agropecuária e Extensão Rural de Santa Catarina S.A. (Epagri-SC) e com cinquenta famílias locais. Para avaliar esses impactos, elaboramos algumas categorias de análise, como: prejuízo econômico; medidas preventivas e mudança de hábitos; estigma e preconceito, que surgiram à luz das narrativas dos sujeitos entrevistados. Ficou evidente a necessidade de se procederem a estudos sobre os aspectos sociológicos dos problemas epidemiológicos, além dos estritamente médico-sanitários.

In 1955 a population explosion of the slug Sarasinula linguaeformis (Semper, 1885) damaged crop plantations in the municipalities of Nova Itaberaba and Planalto Alegre, western of Santa Catarina State, Brazil. In this article we analyze the socioeconomic impacts caused by the emergence of this plague, which raised the suspicion, eventually confirmed, of the occurrence of human cases of abdominal angyostrongiliasis. The data were collected through the observation of a serological study during the period of August 2000 to August 2001 by a research team from the Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS) together with field technicians from the Empresa de Pesquisa Agropecuária e Extensão Rural de Santa Catarina S.A. (Epagri-SC), and with the members of 50 local families. In order to analyze these impacts, we elaborated several analytical categories as economic losses; preventive measures, habit change and social prejudice, that emerged from the narratives of the residents interviewed. It became evident the need for sociological analyses of epidemiological problems, in addition to strictly medico-sanitary considerations.

Human infection by Angiostrongylus costaricensis in Venezuela: first report of a confirmed case

A proven case of human infection caused by Angiostrongylus costaricensis is reported for the first time in Venezuela. The patient was a 57-year-old female surgically operated because of signs of peritonitis with a palpable mass at the lower right quadrant of the abdomen. WBC count reported 16,600 cells/mm³, with 46 percent eosinophils. The tumoral aspect of ileocolic area and peritoneal lymph nodes prompted the resection of a large area of the terminal ileum, cecum, part of the ascending colon and a small part of the jejunum, where a small lesion was found. The pathology showed thickened areas of the intestinal wall with areas of hemorrhage and a perforation of the cecum. Histology showed intense eosinophil infiltration of the whole intestinal wall, granulomas with giant cells and eosinophils. Some of the granuloma surrounded round or oval eggs with content characterized by a large empty area, cells or embryo in the center, and sometimes nematode larvae. A cross section of an adult nematode worm was observed inside a branch of mesenteric artery. The intestinal affected area, the characteristics of the lesions, the presence of eggs in the submucosa with nematode larvae inside, and the observation of a nematode inside a mesenteric artery, makes sufficient criteria for the diagnosis of an infection by Angiostrongylus costaricensis.

Un caso comprobado de infección humana por Angiostrongylus costaricensis es reportado para la literatura por vez primera en Venezuela. El paciente fue una mujer de 57 años de edad intervenida quirúrgicamente debido a signos de peritonitis, con una masa palpable en la fosa ilíaca derecha del abdomen. El recuento de leucocitos reportó 16.600 células/mm³ con 46 por ciento eosinófilos. El aspecto tumoral del área íleocólica y las adenopatías peritoneales encontradas motivó la resección de un área grande del ileon terminal, ciego, parte del colon ascendente y una pequeña parte del yeyuno donde se encontró una pequeña lesión interpretada como metastásica. La patología mostró áreas engrosadas de la pared intestinal con zonas de hemorragia y perforación del ciego. El estudio histológico mostró una intensa infiltración eosinofílica de toda la pared intestinal, granulomas con células gigantes y eosinófilos. Algunos de los granulomas rodeaban huevos ovales o redondos con un contenido caracterizado por una gran área vacía, células o embriones en el centro, y en algunos casos una larva de nematodo. Un corte transversal de un verme nematodo adulto se observó dentro de una arteria mesentérica. El área intestinal afectada, las características de las lesiones, la presencia de huevos en la submucosa con larvas de nematodo dentro, y la observación de un nematodo dentro de una arteria mesentérica, aportan suficientes criterios para el diagnóstico de una infección por Angiostrongylus costaricensis.

Longitudinal clinical and serological survey of abdominal angiostrongyliasis in Guaporé, southern Brazil, from 1995 to 1999

Angiostrongilíase abdominal é uma zoonose causada pelo Angiostrongylus costaricensis, nematódeo que se localiza no interior de vasos mesentéricos. Nosso objetivo foi de abordar vários aspectos da história natural da parasitose, num estudo longitudinal clínico-sorológico. Um total de 179 indivíduos residentes em área rural no sul do Brasil, com transmissão ativa, foram seguidos por cinco anos. Neste período foram registradas prevalências de 28,2%, 4,2%, 10%, 20,2% e 2,8% e incidências de 0%, 5,9%, 8% e 1,5%. Tanto o sexo masculino quanto o feminino foram afetados com maiores frequências na faixa etária dos 30 aos 49 anos. Em 32 indivíduos, amostras de soro foram coletadas em todas as etapas e a reatividade de IgG detectada por ELISA foi variável e geralmente não persistindo mais do que um ano. Alguns padrões individuais foram sugestivos de re-infecção. Não houve associação com a ocorrência nem de dor abdominal nem com outras enteroparasitoses e não houve nenhum caso com diagnóstico confirmado (histopatológico) da infecção. Moluscos foram encontrados portando larvas infectantes de terceiro estadio, em algumas moradias, com uma prevalência geral de 16% e baixas cargas parasitárias. Em conclusão, a angiostrongilíase abdominal no sul do Brasil pode ser uma infecção frequente, porém com baixa morbidade e reatividade sorológica de gradual declínio.

The spread of Angiostrongylus cantonensis in Australia.

Until the recent establishment of Angiostrongylus cantonensis in North America, Australia was the only developed region endemic for this parasite. Almost 50 years ago the life cycle was elucidated there, in the city of Brisbane, and the first human infections probably occurred in 1959. From the 1970s, increasing numbers of autochthonous infections have been reported along the central east coast of the continent (southeast Queensland and northern New South Wales), involving humans, rats, dogs, horses, flying foxes and marsupials. Ten years ago, the parasite was discovered in Sydney, almost 1,000 km to the south, in dogs. In that city, it has since been diagnosed as a cause of neurological disease in increasing numbers of dogs, flying foxes, marsupials and zoo primates. Presumably, these infections resulted from the ingestion of snails or slugs, and it seems that virtually all species of native and exotic terrestrial molluscs can serve as intermediate hosts. It is not known how the parasite was introduced to this continent, or how it has spread over such an extensive territory, although eventually its range could encompass the entire east coast, and potentially other regions. It is also not known if the almost identical, native species, A. mackerrasae, is able to infect people (or other non-rodent hosts). All worms recovered to date, from one fatal human case, and from many animal infections, have been confirmed as A. cantonensis.

Angiostrongylus infections in rats and snails in northeast Thailand.

A survey of Angiostrongylus infections in rats and snails was carried out in the provinces of Ubon Ratchathani, Udon Thani. Kalasin, Chaiyaphum and Khon Kaen in northeast Thailand. Only two Rattus norvegicus (3.8%) and one Bandicota indica (1.4%) out of 151 R. rattus, 52 R. norvegicus and 69 B. indica examined were infected with adult lung worms. All worms recovered were A. cantonensis. Prevalence of infection in 423 Pila polita was 0.9% while all of 77 P. ampullacea were negative for larvae. In contrast to this 36.4% of 500 Achatina fulica harbored L3 of Angiostrongylus (with variations of between 29% and 46% in the five provinces). The average infection intensity in A. fulica was 13.6 L3 (1 to 441). Experimental infection of Wistar rats with L3 (isolated from A. fulica resulted in a recovery rate of 48.3% of adult worms of which 91.7% and 8.3% were identified as A. cantonensis and A. malaysiensis, respectively. This is the first proven finding of A. malaysiensis in northeast Thailand.

Occurrence of the infective stage of Angiostrongylus cantonensis in the yellow tree monitor (Varanus bengalensis) in five Provinces of Thailand.

Twenty-two yellow tree monitors (Varanus bengalensis) were trapped and transported from 5 provinces, namely Lampang, Phitsanulok, Kamphaeng Phet, Tak and Prachin Buri to look for the infective larvae stage of Angiostrongylus cantonensis. In 4 provinces all of the yellow tree monitors were infected with the infective stage larvae of A. cantonensis altogether. Twenty-one of the 22 yellow tree monitors (95.5%) in the five provinces were infected. Our results of this study extend our knowledge of natural prevalence of A. cantonensis in yellow tree monitors. The snail eating habit of the yellow tree monitor might possibly be the source of the larvae.

Clinical and epidemiological aspects of abdominal angiostrongyliasis in Southern Brazil

A maioria dos 16 casos de angiostrongiliase abdominal publicados no Brasil ate 1989, eram originarios dos Estados de Sao Paulo, Parana, Santa Catarina e Rio Grande do Sul (RS). Um estudo clinico e epidemiologico em 27 casos no RS revelou aspectos distintos do que e conhecido sobre a ocorrencia da doenca na Costa Rica: tanto adultos quanto criancas sao acometidos, provenientes de areas serranas do norte do Estado e ha uma aparente sazonalidade, nao relacionada as chuvas e sim aos meses mais quentes do ano. Alem de confirmar o quadro clinico-laboratorial descrito na literatura (dor abdominal, febre e eosinofilia), o estudo salienta a ocorrencia de episodios recorrentes de dor abdominal com remissao espontanea e de outras formas pouco sintomaticas, possivelmente as formas mais comuns de manifestacoes da doenca. Foi observada uma letalidade de 7,4 por cento. Com o alerta aos medicos, especialmente da area endemica, e o uso de teste sorologico, espera-se um aumento do numero de diagnosticos de angiostrongiliase abdominal e consequente aprimoramento do conhecimento sobre esta zoonose no Brasil.

Ocorrência de um novo caso de Singamose humana em Säo Paulo, Brasil / Occurrence of a new case of human syngamiasis in Säo Paulo, Brazil

Relata-se um caso de Singamose humana pela espécie Syngamus laryngeus, Railliet, 1899, eliminada espontaneamente durante forte acesso de tosse. Registra-se o 12§ caso humano dessa parasitose no Brasil e o 2§ em Säo Paulo