Diagnostic criteria and case definitions for abdominal angiostrongyliasis: a systematic review from the Brazilian experience.

Although rare, Angiostrongylus costaricensis infection may be a more prevalent etiology of inflammatory bowel disease than ulcerative colitis and Chron's disease in endemic areas in Central and South America. The present study reviewed the occurrence of A. costaricensis in Brazil, its clinical presentation and pathology; and proposed diagnostic criteria and case definitions for abdominal angiostrongyliasis (AA). Southern and southeastern Brazilian regions are the main endemic areas, and AA affects both genders and all age groups. A review of all 23 published reports of 51 Brazilian patients highlighted the following features that were subsequently classified as minor diagnostic criteria: abdominal pain, palpable mass in the right lower abdominal quadrant, history of exposure, ileocecal tumor, and intestinal perforation with wall thickening. Proposed major criteria include right lower quadrant abdominal pain, blood eosinophilia, positive serology (antibody detection), intense eosinophilic infiltration that involves all strata of the intestinal wall, eosinophilic granulomatous reaction, and eosinophilic vasculitis. In addition to the definitions of suspected and possible cases according to increasing strength of evidence of this infection, demonstration of worms/eggs/larvae in tissues or Angiostrongylus DNA in tissues or serum are required for a confirmed diagnosis. The application of the proposed criteria and definitions may improve patient management, epidemiologic surveillance, and identification of new endemic areas.

Control line failure in Angiostrongylus vasorum point-of-care serology test in dogs with angiostrongylosis due to suspected hook effect.

OBJECTIVES: Angiostrongylosis is a significant differential for a diverse range of clinical signs in dogs, many of whom present acutely and sometimes with fatal consequences. Point-of-care diagnostic assays include a commercially available Angiostrongylus vasorum qualitative direct lateral flow assay. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Case records from one referral centre from dogs with an invalid A. vasorum lateral flow assay, comprising an absent control line alongside a visible test line, were reviewed. As control line failure was hypothesised to be due to antigen excess; where available the A. vasorum lateral flow assay was repeated using dilutions of the original serum. RESULTS: Six dogs had an invalid A. vasorum lateral flow assay result. Five dogs had presented with acute-onset, severe clinical disease consistent with angiostrongylosis, and one dog was a clinically healthy in-contact. Clinical suspicion of angiostrongylosis was confirmed using alternative diagnostic testing and/or response to treatment. Repetition of the A. vasorum lateral flow assay, in four cases, using diluted plasma (10% to 12.5% v/v) resulted in the appearance of a control line alongside the visible test line. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: A heavy burden of A. vasorum infection resulting in angiostrongylosis should be suspected in dogs with compatible clinical signs and an invalid A. vasorum lateral flow assay result due to control failure alongside a visible test line. Repetition of the test with a diluted serum may be considered to account for the hook effect, also known as the postzone phenomenon, as a possible cause.

Molecular insights versus morphological traits: rethinking identification of the closely related Angiostrongylus cantonensis and Angiostrongylus malaysiensis.

BACKGROUND: The closely related Angiostrongylus cantonensis and Angiostrongylus malaysiensis have been reported to coexist in Thailand and share similar hosts and life cycles. Recently, in an angiostrongyliasis outbreak in Thailand, both A. cantonensis and A. malaysiensis were found in the cerebrospinal fluid of affected patients. Morphological similarities, overlapping distribution, shared hosts and habitats, and the close genetics of the two Angiostrongylus species can complicate accurate species identification. Addressing these challenges, this study aims to evaluate whether a correlation between the morphological and genetic identities of A. cantonensis and A. malaysiensis can improve species identification accuracy. METHODS: Angiostrongylus spp. specimens from five zoogeographical regions in Thailand were subjected to morphological and molecular identification using the mitochondrial cytochrome b gene and the nuclear internal transcribed spacer 2 region (ITS2). The morphological characters for males and females were then validated using the species identity obtained from the nuclear ITS2 region. RESULTS: The results revealed that morphological misidentifications between these two closely related species are common due to overlapping morphological characters. Although certain male traits such as body length and width aided species differentiation, female traits were found to be less reliable. Furthermore, hybrid forms (8.2%) were revealed through the ITS2 results, which can further complicate morphological identification. Mito-nuclear discordance was also present in 1.9% of the Angiostrongylus specimens from Thailand, suggesting a complex historical interbreeding between the species. CONCLUSIONS: Based on our findings, we suggest that nuclear ITS2 is a reliable marker for species identification of A. cantonensis and A. malaysiensis, especially in regions where both species coexist. Additionally, the scope and consequences of hybridization between the two closely related Angiostrongylus species should be further investigated in Thailand.

Population dynamics of Achatina fulica in a peri-urban area adjacent to the Fiocruz Atlantic Forest Biological Station (EFMA), in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, with report on Angiostrongylus cantonensis infection.

Achatina fulica is a species native to East Africa, considered one of the 100 worst invasive alien species in the world. The present study investigated the population of the snail, A. fulica, in a peri-urban area adjacent to the Fiocruz Atlantic Forest Biological Station (EFMA), in Jacarepaguá, Rio de Janeiro state, Brazil, focusing on population dynamics and the nematodes associated with this species. To this end, specimens were collected during four climatic seasons of the years 2021 and 2022 in three fixed 20 m × 10 m plots. The abundance of A. fulica in these areas was evaluated in relation to a set of environmental variables (temperature, relative humidity air, and soil pH and calcium). The abundance of snails infected by nematodes was also evaluated in relation to the season and body size of the specimens. The molluscs were found by active search, and standardized (15 minutes/three collections). Nematode larvae were extracted from the specimens by artificial digestion and identified by their external morphology and the sequencing of molecular markers. A total of 280 specimens of A. fulica were collected, with the highest abundances being recorded in the autumn and summer, although no significant relationship was found between the number of specimens collected and the environmental variables. Overall, 192 snails were infected by nematodes: Angiostrongylus cantonensis, Cruzia tentaculata and free-living nematodes, including Caenorhabditis briggsae. These findings demonstrate the epidemiological importance of the study area and the need to implement educational measures in the community, with the aim of controlling the local A. fulica population, thereby minimizing the risk of parasitic infection in the local human population.

Clinical bleeding diathesis, laboratory haemostatic aberrations and survival in dogs infected with Angiostrongylus vasorum: 180 cases (2005-2019).

OBJECTIVES: Bleeding diathesis is a complication in dogs infected with Angiostrongylus vasorum. This retrospective study investigated clinical and laboratory haemostatic differences in A. vasorum-positive dogs with and without signs of bleeding and impact of bleeding on survival. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Demographics, type of clinical bleeding, haematocrit and a range of haemostatic tests, including thromboelastography and derived velocity curves were retrospectively registered from A. vasorum-positive dogs. All parameters were compared between dogs with and without signs of bleeding using univariable analyses. Binomial and multinomial regression models were applied to examine specific indicators in the bleeding dogs. P-values were false discovery rate adjusted, and adjusted P<0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS: One hundred and eighty dogs entered the study, including 65 dogs (36.1%) presenting with bleeding diathesis. Different types of cutaneous and mucosal bleeding were the most common clinical findings. Twenty dogs presented with neurological signs associated with intracranial and intra-spinal bleeding. One hundred and thirty-seven dogs had haematological and/or haemostatic laboratory analyses performed. Haematocrit, platelet count, thromboelastographic angle, maximum amplitude, global clot strength, maximum rate of thrombin generation and total thrombin generation were decreased, while prothrombin time was prolonged in bleeding dogs. Survival rate of bleeding dogs was lower at hospital discharge (76.9%) and 1 month after diagnosis (66.0%) than in dogs without signs of bleeding (94.8% and 90.1% at discharge and at 1 month, respectively). CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Several haemostatic aberrations were detected in A. vasorum-positive dogs with bleeding diathesis. Bleeding was identified as an important negative prognostic indicator in A. vasorum-positive dogs.

Efficacy of X-Ray Phytosanitary Irradiation on the Infectivity and Reproduction of Angiostrongylus cantonensis in Experimentally Infected Rats.

Angiostrongylus cantonensis is a globally distributed nematode and the leading cause of eosinophilic meningitis in humans. As a global hotspot for this disease, Hawaii's agricultural exports may be contributing to the spread of A. cantonensis. Phytosanitary irradiation doses of 150 or 400 Gy provide quarantine security against multiple insect pests. We evaluated the in vitro and in vivo effects of phytosanitary irradiation on infectious, third-stage, A. cantonensis larvae. In vitro experiments directly exposed larvae to irradiation doses ranging from 200 to 1,000 Gy. Results showed low mortality and no dose response across all treatments 27 days post-irradiation. In vivo studies isolated larvae from wild-caught Parmarion martensi after exposure to x-ray irradiation at doses of 0, 150, and 400 Gy and infected them into laboratory rats. Fourteen rats were assigned to each treatment and infected with 50 larvae from their assigned irradiation dose. Results at 3 and 6 weeks post-infection demonstrated a significant negative dose response in regard to the number of larvae that migrated to the brain and adults found in the pulmonary artery. No irradiated larvae that grew into adults were able to produce eggs. These findings indicate that x-ray irradiation does not result in the direct mortality of A. cantonensis larvae; however, it does affect the infectivity and reproduction of A. cantonensis within its definitive host, the rat. Phytosanitary irradiation at doses ≥150 Gy appears to be an effective means of preventing the establishment of viable populations of A. cantonensis, thus reducing the potential for global spread due to agricultural exports from Hawaii.

IL-33-binding HpARI family homologues with divergent effects in suppressing or enhancing type 2 immune responses.

HpARI is an immunomodulatory protein secreted by the intestinal nematode Heligmosomoides polygyrus bakeri, which binds and blocks IL-33. Here, we find that the H. polygyrus bakeri genome contains three HpARI family members and that these have different effects on IL-33-dependent responses in vitro and in vivo, with HpARI1+2 suppressing and HpARI3 amplifying these responses. All HpARIs have sub-nanomolar affinity for mouse IL-33; however, HpARI3 does not block IL-33-ST2 interactions. Instead, HpARI3 stabilizes IL-33, increasing the half-life of the cytokine and amplifying responses to it in vivo. Together, these data show that H. polygyrus bakeri secretes a family of HpARI proteins with both overlapping and distinct functions, comprising a complex immunomodulatory arsenal of host-targeted proteins.

Refugia, climatic conditions and farm management factors as drivers of adaptation in Nematodirus battus populations.

Parasites are known for their ability to rapidly adapt to changing conditions. For parasitic helminths, changes in climate, along with farming and management practices associated with the intensification of livestock farming, provide novel challenges which can impact on their epidemiology and control. The sustainability of livestock production partially relies on effective control of helminth infection. Therefore, understanding changes in parasite behaviour, and what drives these, is of great importance. Nematodirus battus is an economically important helminth in the UK and temperate regions. Its infective larvae typically overwinter in eggs on pasture and hatch synchronously in spring, causing acute disease in lambs. Attempts to control disease typically rely on whole-flock benzimidazole (BZ) treatments. In recent years, the emergence of BZ-resistance, alongside the hatching of eggs without the classical over-winter 'chill stimulus', have made N. battus more difficult to control. In three previous studies, after collecting a large number of N. battus populations alongside farm management data from commercial farms, we explored the prevalence of genetic mutations associated with BZ-resistance (n = 253 farms), the ability of eggs to hatch with and without a chill stimulus (n = 90 farms) and how farm management practices varied throughout the UK (n = 187 farms). In the present study, we identify factors which may be acting as drivers, or barriers, to either the development of resistance or the variable hatching behaviour of N. battus eggs. Generalised linear mixed effect models were applied to regress experimental hatching and genotyping data on farm management and additional environmental data. Both variable hatching and resistance development appeared associated with the maintenance of parasite refugia as well as grazing management, particularly reseeding of pasture routinely grazed by young lambs each spring and the practice of set-stocked grazing. Effective quarantine measures were identified as the main protective factor for the development of BZ-resistance whereas set stocked grazing and population bottlenecks, resulting from reseeding heavily contaminated pastures, were risk factors. Spring maximum temperature and other climatic factors were associated with 'typical' hatching of eggs following a chill stimulus whilst several management factors were linked with hatching without prior chilling. For example, practices which reduce parasite numbers on pasture (e.g. re-seeding) or restrict availability of hosts (e.g. resting fields), were found to increase the odds of non-chill hatching. Retention of the timing of lambing and infection level of the host within the fitted model indicated that requirement for a chill stimulus prior to hatching may be plastic, perhaps subject to change throughout the grazing season, in response to immune development or parasite density-dependence within the host. Further investigation of the influence of the factors retained within the fitted models, particularly the theme of parasite refugia which was highlighted in relation to both the presence of BZ-resistance alleles and alternative hatching, is required to establish robust, sustainable parasite control and farm management strategies.

Factors associated with strongylida infections in sheep on farms in peri-urban Nairobi, Kenya.

Gastrointestinal parasite infections are among the major limitations to production in sheep in many parts of the world. It is important to continually assess their levels of infection in order to institute control measures and reduce the impact. This study determined the factors associated with the strongylida egg counts in sheep on selected farms in peri-urban Nairobi, Kenya. This was a cross-sectional study in which farm and animal-level data, including faecal samples, were collected from 1640 sheep from 30 purposively selected farms in Ruai, and Kamulu wards in Kasarani sub-county and Utawala and Mihango wards in Embakasi East Sub-County, in Nairobi County Kenya. The faecal samples were subjected to coprological examination using a modified McMaster technique to determine counts of strongylida eggs and coccidia oocysts with a detection level of 100 egg or oocyst per gram (EPG or OPG) of faeces. The positive faecal samples for strongylida eggs were pooled per farm and cultured for morphological identification of larval stage three. Descriptive statistics and multilevel mixed-effect logistic regression analyses were used to determine factors associated with strongylida egg count ≥600 EPG (p < 0.05). The receiver operating characteristics curve was used to assess the overall diagnostic performance in the final model. Strongylida eggs were detected in 45.5% (746/1640) of the sheep, and the mean EPG was 486.0± 858.9 with a median of 200 and a range of 0-16,700. The coccidia oocysts were detected in 49.4% (810/1640) of the sheep with a mean OPG was 341.7± 1782.4, a median of 0 and a range of 0-60,000. In the coprocultures, the nematode genera identified (% differential count of L3) were Haemonchus (90%), Trichostrongylus (5%) and Oesophagostomum (5%). In the final multivariable regression model, the odds of detecting EPG ≥ 600 was 1.44 times higher for sheep shedding coccidia oocysts than those that did not. The odds for detecting EPG ≥ 600 was 4.01 times for sheep in Ruai ward compared with those in the combined Kamulu, Utawala and Mihango wards. The receiver operating characteristic curve area was 73.1%, suggestive of good model performance. The results suggest that gastrointestinal strongylida and coccidia infections are common in sheep and farmers should be educated on the importance of appropriate control measures.

Semperula wallacei (Mollusca, Veronicellidae) um hospedeiro natural recém-descoberto de Angiostrongylus cantonensis (Nematoda, Angiostrongylidae) na Bacia do Pacífico.

Semperula wallacei (Issel, 1874) is a species of terrestrial slug that occurs in southeast China and the Pacific Basin and is the only species of its genus that occurs beyond the Oriental region and to the east of Wallace's line in the Australian region, where it has probably been introduced. In this study, we report for the first time S. wallacei as an intermediate host for Angiostrongylus cantonensis (Chen, 1935) based on histological and molecular analyses of slugs from Tuamasaga, Samoa, deposited at the Medical Malacological Collection (Fiocruz-CMM). DNA was obtained from the deparafinized tissues scraped from specimen slides. Polymerase chain reaction and restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) targeted to the internal transcribed spacer 2 (ITS2) region were carried out using the restriction enzyme Cla I. The RFLP profile observed for our larval specimen of S. wallacei was identical to the profile previously established for A. cantonensis, demonstrating that S. wallacei can be naturally infected with A. cantonensis and is likely to be an intermediate host for this parasitic nematode species in the field. The potential for geographical range expansion of S. wallacei in the Pacific Basin, its small size, and the general role of veronicellids as crop pests and hosts of nematodes, indicate the significance of S. wallacei as an invasive species in the Pacific Basin. Our work also highlights the importance of biological collections for investigating the environmental impact of invasive species on agriculture, public health, and biodiversity conservation.

Angiostrongylus dujardini infection in a coconut lorikeet (Trichoglossus haematodus) from a zoological garden in Switzerland.

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.

A Taq-Man-based multiplex quantitative PCR for the simultaneous detection and quantification of Angiostrongylus vasorum, Crenosoma vulpis, and species of respiratory capillarids in canids.

In recent years, Angiostrongylus vasorum, Crenosoma vulpis, Eucoleus aerophilus (syn. Capillaria aerophila) and Eucoleus boehmi (syn. Capillaria boehmi), commonly referred to as canine lungworms, have gained a growing interest worldwide as the result of their geographical expansion. Each of these nematode species differs considerably in its biology and pathogenicity. Despite their impact on dogs' health, these parasites are often underdiagnosed owing to diagnostic challenges. Here, we describe the development and validation of a Taq-Man-based multiplex quantitative PCR (qPCR) for the simultaneous detection of the main species of canine lungworms in faeces of infected dogs. Using 10-fold serial dilutions of synthetic gene block fragments containing individual sequence targets of each lungworm species, the analytical sensitivity of the assay ascertained was 1.84 ng/µl for A. vasorum, 3.08 ng/µl for C. vulpis and 0.79 ng/µl for Eucoleus spp. The sensitivity of the assays and their ability to detect mixed species infections were compared with microscopy-based techniques (faecal floatation and Baermann technique) applied to faecal samples submitted for lungworm testing through an accredited diagnostic laboratory at the Institute of Parasitology, University of Zurich, Switzerland, and from community dogs as part of a research project on canine endoparasites in Cambodia. The multiplex qPCR displayed high diagnostic sensitivity (42/46, 91.3%; 95% Confidence Interval (CI): 79.1-97.1%) and a diagnostic specificity of 100% (45/45, 95% CI: 90.6-100%), and was able to detect 42.9% additional mixed lungworm species infections compared with microscopy-based methods. Kappa statistics showed substantial agreement between the qPCRs and microscopy for mixed infections (κ = 0.72, 95% CI: 0.4-1) and Eucoleus spp. (κ = 0.65, 95% CI: 0.45-0.85) and almost perfect agreement for C. vulpis (κ = 0.85, 95% CI: 0.63-1) and A. vasorum (κ = 0.92, 95% CI: 0.84-1). This multiplex qPCR enables timely, accurate, and sensitive diagnosis of canine lungworm species in faecal samples and can be used to monitor the geographical distribution and emergence of these parasitic species, globally.

Comparative analysis of diagnostic methods and risk factors for Aelurostrongylus abstrusus infection in brazilian cats.

This study aimed to prospectively evaluate the risk factors of infection by Aelurostrongylus abstrusus in Brazilian cats with cough and/or radiographic changes, using as diagnostic tools the Baermann method (BM), polymerase chain reaction (PCR) of feces, bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF), and cytology. Forty-three cats that were presented with cough or lung radiographic abnormalities compatible with bronchoalveolar disease were included in the study. After clinical evaluation, feces samples were collected to investigate lungworm parasitism through BM and PCR. BALF was performed to provide samples for cytology, bacteriology, and fungal culture. Stool PCR was considered the gold standard for diagnosis tests, and the other methods were evaluated by their agreement. PCR presented 74% (32/43) of positivity for A. abstrusus, while in the BM, 41% (18/43) were positive. BM showed sensitivity of 56.25% and specificity of 100% when compared with PCR. No larva was found in the cytological evaluation of 21 BALF samples. Lungworm is an important cause of bronchopulmonary disease in domestic cats in Brazil and should be included as a differential diagnosis when a cat is presented with cough or radiographic abnormalities. BM is a sensitive, non-invasive, and cheap technique to diagnose the disease, but it is not as sensitive as PCR.

[Progress of researches on the role and mechanisms of non - coding RNA in Angiostrongylus cantonensis infection].

Angiostrongylus cantonensis is a food-borne zoonotic parasite, and human infection may cause eosinophilic meningitis. Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) may regulate physiological and pathological processes at multiple biological levels; however, there are few studies pertaining to the regulatory role of ncRNAs in A. cantonensis infection. Based on publications retrieved from PubMed, Wanfang Data and CNKI, the regulatory role of ncRNAs in A. cantonensis infections mainly includes immune responses, cell apoptosis and signaling transduction, and ncRNAs may serve as biomarkers for diagnosis of angiostrongyliasis. This review summarizes the main roles of ncRNAs in A. cantonensis infections and the underlying mechanisms, so as to provide insights into diagnosis and treatment of angiostrongyliasis.

IgE antibody responses in cerebrospinal fluids relate to the brain pathologic injury of hosts with Angiostrongylus cantonensis infection.

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.

Angiostrongylus cantonensis Infection in Brown Rats (Rattus norvegicus), Atlanta, Georgia, USA, 2019-2022.

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.

Molecular prevalence, phylogenetic characterization, and epidemiological risk factors of pulmonary nematodes in domestic cats in Türkiye.

Aelurostrongylus abstrusus, Oslerus rostratus, and Troglostrongylus brevior are nematodes found in the respiratory system of domestic cats and cause a variety of symptoms. All three parasites use the same hosts and niches, and the morphological measurements of their L1s excreted in faeces overlap with each other. In this study, 300 cats brought to Ondokuz Mayis University Veterinary Teaching Animal Hospital were screened for lungworms by morphological measurements and molecular analyses. The prevalence of the lungworms was found as 1.33% (4/300) for A. abstrusus, 0.66% (2/300) for O. rostratus, and 0.33% (1/300) for T. brevior. Molecular identification of A. abstrusus, T. brevior, and O. rostratus in domestic cats was carried out for the first time in Türkiye within the present study. This study also reveals the risk factors of lungworm positivity in domestic cats in Türkiye.

Rat lungworm survives winter: experimental overwintering of Angiostrongylus cantonensis larvae in European slugs.

The rat lungworm Angiostrongylus cantonensis is a metastrongyloid nematode that causes neurological disorders in its accidental hosts, including humans. This invasive pathogen is native to Southeast Asia and adjacent regions and is gradually expanding its distribution to tropical and subtropical areas with new foci discovered near temperate regions. The parasite has a complex life cycle with a range of gastropods serving as intermediate hosts. A broad spectrum of poikilotherm vertebrates and invertebrates can serve as paratenic hosts. Since it has already been demonstrated that other, non-zoonotic metastrongyloids can survive in their intermediate hosts during the winter, the aim of our study was to evaluate the survival of A. cantonensis third-stage larvae in experimentally infected slugs (Limax maximus) kept at 4.5­7°C for 60 days. Third-stage larvae of A. cantonensis survived the period of low temperature and remained capable of infecting definitive hosts (laboratory rats) afterwards, even though their numbers dropped significantly. These results suggest that further spread to higher latitudes or altitudes is possible in areas with sufficient abundance of definitive hosts, since low winter temperatures are not necessarily an obstacle to the spread of the parasite.

The recent introduction of Angiostrongylus cantonensis and its intermediate host Achatina fulica into Guadeloupe detected by phylogenetic analyses.

BACKGROUND: Angiostrongylus cantonensis (rat lungworm) is the main pathogen responsible for eosinophilic meningitis in humans. One of its intermediate snail hosts, Achatina fulica, was already present in many countries around the world before it appeared in the West Indies in the late 1980s. In the French territories in the Caribbean and northern South America, the first cases of human neuroangiostrongyliasis were reported in Martinique, Guadeloupe and French Guiana in 2002, 2013 and 2017, respectively. In order to better characterize angiostrongyliasis in Guadeloupe, particularly its geographical origin and route of introduction, we undertook molecular characterization of adult worms of Angiostrongylus cantonensis and its intermediate host Achatina fulica. METHODS: Genomic DNA of adult Angiostrongylus cantonensis and Achatina fulica was extracted and amplified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) targeting the mitochondrial genes cytochrome B and C for A. cantonensis and 16S ribosomal RNA for A. fulica. The PCR products were sequenced and studied by phylogenetic analysis. RESULTS: Cytochrome B and cytochrome C molecular markers indicate a monophyletic lineage of A. cantonensis adult worms in Guadeloupe. Two sequences of A. fulica were identified. CONCLUSIONS: These results confirm the recent introduction of both Angiostrongylus cantonensis and Achatina fulica into Guadeloupe. Achatina fulica in Guadeloupe shares a common origin with those in Barbados and New Caledonia, while Angiostrongylus cantonensis in Guadeloupe shares a common origin with those in Brazil, Hawaii and Japan.

Clinical Characteristics and Treatment Outcome of Eosinophilic Meningoencephalitis in South Indian Children: Experience From a Prospective Registry.

BACKGROUND: To describe the clinical features and therapeutic outcomes of a prospective cohort of children with eosinophilic meningoencephalitis. METHODS: Children admitted with clinical features suggestive of meningitis along with cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) eosinophilia during the period of 14 years (2008 to 2021) were included. Their baseline characteristics, epidemiologic associations, and treatment outcomes were analyzed and compared with the previous studies. RESULTS: We identified 25 children (13 males) satisfying the inclusion criteria. The median age at presentation was 3.9 years (range 0.8 to 17 years); 68% were aged less than two years. Fourteen (56%) children had a history of exposure to snails. Most of them presented with fever, headache, irritability, lateral rectus palsy, and early papilledema. Symptoms started three to 42 days (median duration: 14 days) before admission to our center. All children had peripheral eosinophilia, which ranged from 9% to 41%. The mean CSF white blood cell count was 416/mm3 (range 50 to 1245 cells/mm3) with CSF eosinophilia ranging from 11% to 80%. Brain magnetic resonance imaging was done in 24 children and was normal in 15 (62.5%). Leptomeningeal enhancement was seen in two (8.3%) children, and other nonspecific changes were noted in seven (29.1%) children. All children recovered without any neurological deficits with a standard treatment regimen of albendazole and oral steroids. All were asymptomatic at the last follow-up. None of them had any recurrence during the follow-up period. CONCLUSION: We report one of the largest clinical series of children with eosinophilic meningoencephalitis from an endemic area of South India.