Geographic Range Expansion for Rat Lungworm in North America

York, Emily M.; Creecy, James P.; Lord, Wayne D.; Caire, William

doi:10.3201/eid2107.141980

Cited by 39 publications

(38 citation statements)

References 14 publications

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“…In Louisiana, two R . norvegicus were found positive and in Oklahoma, one Sigmodon hispidus was found positive (total 2.2% or 3/137 brain samples) [ 22 ]. However in this study, we observed 72.7% (396/545) of Rattus spp.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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High prevalence of Angiostrongylus cantonensis (rat lungworm) on eastern Hawai‘i Island: A closer look at life cycle traits and patterns of infection in wild rats (Rattus spp.)

et al. 2017

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The nematode Angiostrongylus cantonensis is a zoonotic pathogen and the etiological agent of human angiostrongyliasis or rat lungworm disease. Hawai‘i, particularly east Hawai‘i Island, is the epicenter for angiostrongyliasis in the USA. Rats (Rattus spp.) are the definitive hosts while gastropods are intermediate hosts. The main objective of this study was to collect adult A. cantonensis from wild rats to isolate protein for the development of a blood-based diagnostic, in the process we evaluated the prevalence of infection in wild rats. A total of 545 wild rats were sampled from multiple sites in the South Hilo District of east Hawai‘i Island. Adult male and female A. cantonensis (3,148) were collected from the hearts and lungs of humanely euthanized Rattus rattus, and R. exulans. Photomicrography and documentation of multiple stages of this parasitic nematode in situ were recorded. A total of 45.5% (197/433) of rats inspected had lung lobe(s) (mostly upper right) which appeared granular indicating this lobe may serve as a filter for worm passage to the rest of the lung. Across Rattus spp., 72.7% (396/545) were infected with adult worms, but 93.9% (512/545) of the rats were positive for A. cantonensis infection based on presence of live adult worms, encysted adult worms, L3 larvae and/or by PCR analysis of brain tissue. In R. rattus we observed an inverse correlation with increased body mass and infection level of adult worms, and a direct correlation between body mass and encysted adult worms in the lung tissue, indicating that larger (older) rats may have developed a means of clearing infections or regulating the worm burden upon reinfection. The exceptionally high prevalence of A. cantonensis infection in Rattus spp. in east Hawai‘i Island is cause for concern and indicates the potential for human infection with this emerging zoonosis is greater than previously thought.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Many studies use PCR to document presence/absence of A . cantonensis in rats [ 15 , 1 , 22 , 9 ], but since this method reports any presence of the parasite DNA, it does not distinguish between life stages. In other words, identifying the infection levels of adult worms in rat populations (i.e.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

High prevalence of Angiostrongylus cantonensis (rat lungworm) on eastern Hawai‘i Island: A closer look at life cycle traits and patterns of infection in wild rats (Rattus spp.)

et al. 2017

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“…Reports of newly invaded territories keep occurring, e.g. Canary Islands (2010), Uganda (2012) and Oklahoma, USA (2015), although the exact timing and the route of the invasions remains largely uncharacterised [24–26].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Low diversity of Angiostrongylus cantonensis complete mitochondrial DNA sequences from Australia, Hawaii, French Polynesia and the Canary Islands revealed using whole genome next-generation sequencing

et al. 2019

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Background Rats ( Rattus spp.) invaded most of the world as stowaways including some that carried the rat lungworm, Angiostrongylus cantonensis , the cause of eosinophilic meningoencephalitis in humans and other warm-blooded animals. A high genetic diversity of A. cantonensis based on short mitochondrial DNA regions is reported from Southeast Asia. However, the identity of invasive A. cantonensis is known for only a minority of countries. The affordability of next-generation sequencing for characterisation of A. cantonensis genomes should enable new insights into rat lung worm invasion and parasite identification in experimental studies. Methods Genomic DNA from morphologically verified A. cantonensis (two laboratory-maintained strains and two field isolates) was sequenced using low coverage whole genome sequencing. The complete mitochondrial genome was assembled and compared to published A. cantonensis and Angiostrongylus malaysiensis sequences. To determine if the commonly sequenced partial cox 1 can unequivocally identify A. cantonensis genetic lineages, the diversity of cox 1 was re-evaluated in the context of the publicly available cox 1 sequences and the entire mitochondrial genomes. Published experimental studies available in Web of Science were systematically reviewed to reveal published identities of A. cantonensis used in experimental studies. Results New A. cantonensis mitochondrial genomes from Sydney (Australia), Hawaii (USA), Canary Islands (Spain) and Fatu Hiva (French Polynesia), were assembled from next-generation sequencing data. Comparison of A. cantonensis mitochondrial genomes from outside of Southeast Asia showed low genetic diversity (0.02–1.03%) within a single lineage of A. cantonensis . Both cox 1 and cox 2 were considered the preferred markers for A. cantonensis haplotype identification. Systematic review revealed that unequivocal A. cantonensis identification of strains used in experimental studies is hindered by absence of their genetic and geographical identity. Conclusions Low coverage whole genome sequencing provides data enabling standardised identification of A. cantonensis laboratory strains and field isolates. The phenotype of invasive A. cantonensis , such as the capacity to establish in new territories, has a strong genetic component, as the A. cantonensis found o...

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“…15–18 In the United States, angiostrongyliasis has been present in Hawaii since at least 1959. 19,20 However, recently, A. cantonensis has been found in both mollusk and rat hosts in the Gulf Coast region of the continental United States, 21–23 and sporadic autochthonous cases have been identified in other areas as well. 24,25 This suggests the range of the parasite continues to expand, and cases may continue to appear in regions previously unaffected.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Review of Cases of Angiostrongyliasis in Hawaii, 2007–2017

Johnston

Dixon

Elm

et al. 2019

The American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene

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. Angiostrongyliasis, caused by the Angiostrongylus cantonensis roundworm, became reportable in the state of Hawaii in 2007. We confirmed 82 reported cases between 2007 and 2017. There was a median of seven cases per year, and the majority (57%) of cases occurred between January and April. Most (83%) cases were found on the island of Hawaii, with geographic information system (GIS) analysis identifying hot spots on the east side of the island. However, cases were identified on the other major islands as well, suggesting the risk of exposure is present statewide. Comparisons of cases from 2007 to 2017 with cases from previous assessments found no statistical differences in cerebrospinal fluid results, peripheral blood results, or ages of cases. However, differences in geographic distribution of the cases were statistically significant. Improved testing and increasing awareness of the disease have contributed to our efforts to better understand the general risk factors and modes of transmission present in Hawaii and also helped improve our prevention efforts, although we still do not fully understand the specific causes of cases being concentrated in certain parts of the state over others. Continued outreach efforts, including public forums and publication of preliminary clinical guidelines, aim to inform and improve our public health response and efforts to prevent angiostrongyliasis.

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Geographic Range Expansion for Rat Lungworm in North America

Cited by 39 publications

References 14 publications

High prevalence of Angiostrongylus cantonensis (rat lungworm) on eastern Hawai‘i Island: A closer look at life cycle traits and patterns of infection in wild rats (Rattus spp.)

High prevalence of Angiostrongylus cantonensis (rat lungworm) on eastern Hawai‘i Island: A closer look at life cycle traits and patterns of infection in wild rats (Rattus spp.)

Low diversity of Angiostrongylus cantonensis complete mitochondrial DNA sequences from Australia, Hawaii, French Polynesia and the Canary Islands revealed using whole genome next-generation sequencing

Review of Cases of Angiostrongyliasis in Hawaii, 2007–2017

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