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Chan AHE, Kaenkaew C, Pakdee W, Thaenkham U. Insights into the genetic diversity of Angiostrongylus spp. causing human angiostrongyliasis and implications for molecular identification and diagnosis. Food Waterborne Parasitol 2024; 35:e00230. [PMID: 38827346 PMCID: PMC11143902 DOI: 10.1016/j.fawpar.2024.e00230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2024] [Revised: 05/16/2024] [Accepted: 05/20/2024] [Indexed: 06/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Angiostrongylus cantonensis and Angiostrongylus costaricensis are known human pathogens responsible for eosinophilic angiostrongyliasis and abdominal angiostrongyliasis, respectively. Humans are accidental hosts, where infection occurs through the consumption of the infective larva stage 3 in intermediate or paratenic hosts. The proven method for abdominal angiostrongyliasis diagnosis is the histological examination through tissue biopsy, while the diagnosis of eosinophilic angiostrongyliasis is the detection of larva in the cerebrospinal fluid. As there is molecular evidence of cryptic species within A. cantonensis and A. costaricensis lineages, along with morphological similarities within both lineages, accurate species identification and disease diagnosis may be challenging. Moreover, species within the lineages share similar intermediate and definitive hosts and geographic distribution. For example, both A. cantonensis and Angiostrongylus malaysiensis (a closely related species in A. cantonensis lineage) overlap in their geographic distribution in Southeast Asia. Additionally, variations in the molecular makeup of A. costaricensis and A. cantonensis lineages may impact the pathogenicity, infectivity, and disease severity of angiostrongyliasis. Understanding of the genetic diversity of both lineages is a cornerstone for improved diagnosis and disease intervention, especially in a changing global environment. To shed light and provide insights into the genetic diversity of the Angiostrongylus lineages causing human angiostrongyliasis, we aim to present an up-to-date review of the studies conducted and genetic markers used for A. costaricensis and A. cantonensis lineages. The implications for accurate molecular identification and diagnosis of human angiostrongyliasis are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abigail Hui En Chan
- Department of Helminthology, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Chanisara Kaenkaew
- Department of Helminthology, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Wallop Pakdee
- Department of Helminthology, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Urusa Thaenkham
- Department of Helminthology, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
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Kaenkaew C, Chan AHE, Saralamba N, Ruangsittichai J, Chaisiri K, Charoennitiwat V, Thaenkham U. Molecular insights versus morphological traits: rethinking identification of the closely related Angiostrongylus cantonensis and Angiostrongylus malaysiensis. Parasit Vectors 2024; 17:56. [PMID: 38326886 PMCID: PMC10851580 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-024-06140-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 02/09/2024] Open
Abstract
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.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chanisara Kaenkaew
- Department of Helminthology, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Abigail Hui En Chan
- Department of Helminthology, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Naowarat Saralamba
- Department of Molecular Tropical Medicine and Molecular Genetics, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Jiraporn Ruangsittichai
- Department of Medical Entomology, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Kittipong Chaisiri
- Department of Helminthology, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | | | - Urusa Thaenkham
- Department of Helminthology, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand.
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Solorzano-Scott T, Aguilar-Vargas F, Cordero-Salas M, Conejo A, Rojas A, Baldi M. Case report: First documented case of cerebral angiostrongyliasis caused by Angiostrongylus costaricensis in a free-ranging opossum. Front Vet Sci 2024; 11:1294484. [PMID: 38362296 PMCID: PMC10867154 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2024.1294484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2023] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 02/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Angiostrongylus costaricensis is a metastrongyloid nematode that primarily infects the mesenteric arteries of wild rodents. This parasite is endemic in several regions of the American continent, and in humans, causes a disease known as abdominal angiostrongyliasis. Despite the important health implications of this nematode, there are limited studies investigating the involvement of wild animals in its life cycle. In this study, we present the clinical manifestations, pathologic findings, and molecular diagnosis, to the best of our current knowledge, of the first documented onset of cerebral angiostrongyliasis because of A. costaricensis infection in a juvenile free-ranging opossum (Didelphis marsupialis). Histopathological findings stress the presence of eosinophilic meningoencephalitis with nematodes present within the lesions, and PCR was positive for cox1 and ITS1 reactions. The obtained sequences for a 279 bp fragment of ITS1 were 100% identical to A. costaricensis from Costa Rica. This case highlights the substantial difficulties in diagnosing neuroangiostrongyliasis, yet underscores the importance of considering A. costaricensis as a potential culprit behind neurological conditions in wild marsupials. It acts as an urgent call to action to improve surveillance programs tracking infectious and parasitic diseases causing mortality in wildlife populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tamara Solorzano-Scott
- Tropical Diseases Research Program, School of Veterinary Medicine, Universidad Nacional, Heredia, Costa Rica
- Servicio de Patología Diagnóstica LAPAVET-ESFA, Escuela de Medicina y Cirugía Veterinaria San Francisco de Asís, Universidad Veritas, San José, Costa Rica
| | - Fernando Aguilar-Vargas
- Tropical Diseases Research Program, School of Veterinary Medicine, Universidad Nacional, Heredia, Costa Rica
- Servicio Nacional de Salud Animal, Ministerio de Agricultura y Ganadería, Heredia, Costa Rica
| | - Martha Cordero-Salas
- Widlife Veterinary Clinic, Santuario y Centro de Rescate Las Pumas, Cañas, Guanacaste, Costa Rica
| | - Amanda Conejo
- Laboratory of Helminthology, Faculty of Microbiology, University of Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica
| | - Alicia Rojas
- Laboratory of Helminthology, Faculty of Microbiology, University of Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica
- Centro de Investigación en Enfermedades Tropicales, University of Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica
| | - Mario Baldi
- Tropical Diseases Research Program, School of Veterinary Medicine, Universidad Nacional, Heredia, Costa Rica
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Gottdenker NL, Nascimento Ramos RA, Hakimi H, McHale B, Rivera S, Miller BM, Howerth EW, Burrell CE, Stilwell JM, McManamon R, Verocai GG. Angiostrongylus cantonensis Infection in Brown Rats (Rattus norvegicus), Atlanta, Georgia, USA, 2019-2022. Emerg Infect Dis 2023; 29:2167-2170. [PMID: 37735783 PMCID: PMC10521602 DOI: 10.3201/eid2910.230706] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/23/2023] Open
Abstract
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.
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Rizor J, Yanez RA, Thaiwong T, Kiupel M. Angiostrongylus cantonensis in a Red Ruffed Lemur at a Zoo, Louisiana, USA. Emerg Infect Dis 2022; 28:1058-1060. [PMID: 35447053 PMCID: PMC9045436 DOI: 10.3201/eid2805.212287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
A red ruffed lemur (Varecia rubra) from a zoo in Louisiana, USA, was euthanized for worsening paresis. Brain and spinal cord histology identified eosinophilic meningoencephalomyelitis with intralesional adult Angiostrongylus sp. nematodes. PCR and sequencing confirmed A. cantonensis infection, indicating this parasite constitutes an emerging zoonosis in the southeastern United States.
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Rojas A, Maldonado-Junior A, Mora J, Morassutti A, Rodriguez R, Solano-Barquero A, Tijerino A, Vargas M, Graeff-Teixeira C. Abdominal angiostrongyliasis in the Americas: fifty years since the discovery of a new metastrongylid species, Angiostrongylus costaricensis. Parasit Vectors 2021; 14:374. [PMID: 34294132 PMCID: PMC8296644 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-021-04875-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2021] [Accepted: 07/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Angiostrongylus costaricensis is a zoonotic parasitic nematode described for the first time in 1971 by Pedro Morera and Rodolfo Céspedes in Costa Rica. This parasite causes an infection known as abdominal angiostrongyliasis, affecting mainly school-aged children and young adults. Infection with A. costaricensis has been associated with a myriad of rodent and mollusk species in the Americas and the Caribbean, as its natural hosts and reservoirs. In this commemorative review, we highlight the extensive research collected through a 50-year journey, which includes ecological, pathological, and molecular studies on A. costaricensis and its implicated disease. We also identify major knowledge gaps in its evolutionary history, the ecological role of imported and invasive mollusk species, and immune response. We propose that the advent of -omics analyses will allow us to gather novel information regarding A. costaricensis biology and infection dynamics, as well as to promote the design of much-needed sensitive and specific diagnostic tools.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alicia Rojas
- Laboratory of Helminthology, Centro de Investigación en Enfermedades Tropicales, University of Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica
| | - Arnaldo Maldonado-Junior
- Laboratório de Biologia e Parasitologia de Mamíferos Silvestres Reservatórios, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz – FIOCRUZ, Rio de Janeiro, RJ Brazil
| | - Javier Mora
- Laboratory of Helminthology, Centro de Investigación en Enfermedades Tropicales, University of Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica
| | - Alessandra Morassutti
- Instituto de Patologia e Biologia Molecular de Passo Fundo, School of Medicine, IMED Passo Fundo, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Rubens Rodriguez
- Instituto de Patologia e Biologia Molecular de Passo Fundo, School of Medicine, IMED Passo Fundo, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Alberto Solano-Barquero
- Laboratory of Helminthology, Centro de Investigación en Enfermedades Tropicales, University of Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica
| | - Anamariela Tijerino
- National Reference Center of Parasitology, Instituto Costarricense de Investigación y Enseñanza en Nutrición y Salud, Cartago, Costa Rica
| | - Marianela Vargas
- National Reference Center of Parasitology, Instituto Costarricense de Investigación y Enseñanza en Nutrición y Salud, Cartago, Costa Rica
| | - Carlos Graeff-Teixeira
- Nucleo de Doenças Infecciosas, Centro de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo, Vitória, Brazil
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