The Finding of Angiostrongylus Cantonensis in Rats in New Orleans

Spontaneous Shedding of Metastrongyloid Third-Stage Larvae by Experimentally Infected Limax maximus

“…Detection of metastrongyloid L3 in mucus trails or exiting directly through the body surface of slugs has been reported (Ash, 1976, Bonetti et al 1998, Heyneman and Lim 1967, Jenkins et al 2006, Kralka and Samuel 1984, Kutz et al 2000, Qvarnstrom et al 2007. No L3 were detected in the mucus of A. cantonensis infected Limax flavus (Campbell and Little, 1988). Whether fecal shedding represents an additional mode of exit or the mode of L3 exit varies and is species (parasite or gastropod) dependent is unknown.…”

Eosinophilic meningoencephalomyelitis in an orangutan (Pongo pygmaeus) caused byAngiostrongylus cantonensis

“…The parasite was first reported in the continental United States of America when identified in rodents in the New Orleans area in 1988 with demonstration of disease in multiple species in the area since that time (Campbell & Little 1988;Kim et al 2002). The only case previously documented in Florida occurred in 2004, where a case of fatal A. cantonensis meningoencephalitis was diagnosed in a white-handed gibbon (Hylobates lar) from Zoo Miami (formerly Miami Metrozoo) (Duffy et al 2004).…”

Eosinophilic Meningitis Attributable to Angiostrongylus cantonensis Infection in Hawaii: Clinical Characteristics and Potential Exposures

“…7 A. cantonensis is becoming more widespread in the world, in part because of ship-borne transport of rats and introduction of non-native snails/slugs. 3,4,8,9 Humans become infected by ingesting third-stage larvae in intermediate hosts (slugs and snails) or transport hosts (e.g., freshwater crustaceans). Although intentional consumption of snails/slugs is common in certain cultures, in areas like Hawaii, such practices may be less customary.…”