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Hancke D, Guzman N, Tripodi M, Muschetto E, Suárez OV. Reaching new lands: Updating the distribution of Angiostrongylus cantonensis in South America with the first record in Argentina. Zoonoses Public Health 2024. [PMID: 38937928 DOI: 10.1111/zph.13163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2024] [Revised: 06/04/2024] [Accepted: 06/11/2024] [Indexed: 06/29/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Angiostrongylus cantonensis, commonly known as the rat lungworm, is a metastrongyloid nematode found primarily not only in tropical and subtropical regions but also in temperate areas and considered the leading cause of eosinophilic meningitis in humans. Synanthropic rodents such as Rattus norvegicus and Rattus rattus are the most frequent definitive hosts of this parasite. METHODS AND RESULTS The presence of this parasite was detected in the pulmonary arteries of three specimens of R. norvegicus in the city of Buenos Aires representing the species' southernmost known record in natural hosts. Species confirmation was achieved through partial sequences of 18S and COI genes. By comparing the COI gene sequences with those available in GenBank through the construction of a haplotype network, we obtained that the analysed specimen presents high similarity with those reported in Japan and Southeast Asia. CONCLUSIONS All infected rats were captured in an area surrounding a port with significant import and export activity, suggesting that A. cantonensis may have been introduced through commercial ships. Specifically, the parasite was detected in a neighbourhood with vulnerable socio-economic conditions and in a nature reserve, which exhibit biotic and abiotic characteristics conducive to sustaining high-density rat populations, scattered waste, areas of spontaneous vegetation, debris accumulation and flooded areas or lagoons offering suitable habitats for intermediate hosts such as snails. Thus, the close proximity of the port to these sites creates a favourable ecological context for the establishment of A. cantonensis. This study shows the need to conduct research to detect A. cantonensis in non-endemic areas but with the characteristics that promote its arrival and development of its life cycle in order to implement control measures to prevent expansion of this parasite and its transmission to humans and other animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diego Hancke
- Instituto de Ecología, Genética y Evolución de Buenos Aires (IEGEBA), UBA-CONICET, Intendente Güiraldes 2160, Ciudad Universitaria, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Noelia Guzman
- Instituto de Ecología, Genética y Evolución de Buenos Aires (IEGEBA), UBA-CONICET, Intendente Güiraldes 2160, Ciudad Universitaria, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Mariel Tripodi
- Instituto de Ecología, Genética y Evolución de Buenos Aires (IEGEBA), UBA-CONICET, Intendente Güiraldes 2160, Ciudad Universitaria, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Emiliano Muschetto
- Instituto de Ecología, Genética y Evolución de Buenos Aires (IEGEBA), UBA-CONICET, Intendente Güiraldes 2160, Ciudad Universitaria, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Olga Virginia Suárez
- Instituto de Ecología, Genética y Evolución de Buenos Aires (IEGEBA), UBA-CONICET, Intendente Güiraldes 2160, Ciudad Universitaria, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
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2
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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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3
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Rangel FCS, Gomes SR, Silva GM, Sousa AKP, de-Souza JR, Thiengo SC. 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. BRAZ J BIOL 2024; 83:e274620. [PMID: 38422260 DOI: 10.1590/1519-6984.274620] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2023] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 03/02/2024] Open
Abstract
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.
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Affiliation(s)
- F C S Rangel
- ªFundação Oswaldo Cruz - FIOCRUZ, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Laboratório de Malacologia, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil
| | - S R Gomes
- ªFundação Oswaldo Cruz - FIOCRUZ, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Laboratório de Malacologia, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil
| | - G M Silva
- ªFundação Oswaldo Cruz - FIOCRUZ, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Laboratório de Malacologia, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil
- Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro - UFRJ, Escola de Enfermagem Anna Nery, Departamento de Metodologia da Enfermagem - DME, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil
| | - A K P Sousa
- ªFundação Oswaldo Cruz - FIOCRUZ, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Laboratório de Malacologia, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil
| | - J Ramos de-Souza
- ªFundação Oswaldo Cruz - FIOCRUZ, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Laboratório de Malacologia, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil
| | - S C Thiengo
- ªFundação Oswaldo Cruz - FIOCRUZ, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Laboratório de Malacologia, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil
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4
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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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5
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Lopes-Torres EJ, de Oliveira Simões R, Mota EM, Thiengo SC. A Structural Analysis of Host-Parasite Interactions in Achatina fulica (Giant African Snail) Infected with Angiostrongylus cantonensis. Pathogens 2023; 13:34. [PMID: 38251341 PMCID: PMC10821159 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens13010034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2023] [Revised: 11/25/2023] [Accepted: 12/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Angiostrongylus cantonensis is a nematode parasite that resides in the pulmonary arteries of rodents, serving as its definitive hosts. The life cycle involves several species of non-marine gastropods as intermediate hosts, and the African giant snail Achatina fulica is considered one of the most important around the world. Experimental data concerning A. cantonensis infection in the African giant snail remains notably limited. This helminth causes eosinophilic meningitis or meningoencephalitis in humans, representing an emergent zoonosis in Brazil. Understanding the host-parasite relationship through the application of new tools is crucial, given the complex interaction between zoonosis and the intricate mechanisms involving wild/human hosts, parasite adaptation, and dispersion. The objective of this study was to employ SEM as a novel methodology to understand the structural organization of the host tissue, particularly the granuloma formation. This sheds light on the complex balance between A. fulica and A. cantonensis. Nine three-month-old snails were randomly selected and exposed for 24 h to a concentration of 2000 L1/dose of A. cantonensis. A necropsy was performed 37 days after the infection, and the samples were examined using light and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The histopathological results revealed third-stage larvae of A. cantonensis associated with granulomas distributed throughout the head-foot mass, mantle, and kidney. Scanning electron microscopy of the histological section surface showed that the granuloma is surrounded by a cluster of spherical particles, which are distributed in the region bordering the larvae. This reveal details of the nematode structure, demonstrating how this methodology can enhance our understanding of the role of granulomas in molluscan tissue. The structural characteristics of granuloma formation in A. fulica suggest it as an excellent invertebrate host for A. cantonensis. This relationship appears to provide protection to the parasite against the host's immune defense system while isolating the snail's tissue from potential exposure to nematode antigens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eduardo J. Lopes-Torres
- Laboratório de Helmintologia Roberto Lascasas Porto, Departamento de Microbiologia, Imunologia e Parasitologia, Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ 20550-170, Brazil
| | - Raquel de Oliveira Simões
- Departamento de Parasitologia Animal, Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro, Seropédica, RJ 23890-000, Brazil;
| | - Ester M. Mota
- Laboratório de Malacologia, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fiocruz, Rio de Janeiro, RJ 21040-900, Brazil;
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Machado CV, Mentz MB, Hartke S, Zancan DM. Occurrence of Cruzia tentaculata Larvae in the Land Snail Megalobulimus abbreviatus-Influence of Natural Parasite Load on Snail Physiology. Zoolog Sci 2023; 40:475-485. [PMID: 38064375 DOI: 10.2108/zs230047] [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] [Received: 06/07/2023] [Accepted: 07/30/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023]
Abstract
The nematode Cruzia tentaculata is reported here for the first time in the land snail Megalobulimus abbreviatus in southern Brazil. The snails were infected with a high prevalence of larvae up to the L3 stage (68.6%). Cysts were located mainly in the mantle (pulmonary cavity) and the nerve ring. No other helminths were identified in the collected snails. Some physiological aspects were compared between snails infected with L3 larvae and non-infected snails and among infected animals with different parasite loads. No differences were found in hemolymph protein, glucose, or urea content between L3-infected and non-infected snails, nor among animals with different parasite loads. Discontinuous lesions in the rectum associated with the presence of encapsulated larvae were visible in animals with high parasite loads and were more frequent in adult animals. All analyses were carried out during the breeding season; however, the albumen glands of mature snails had a smaller volume in those with higher parasite loads. Ovotestis weight was also significantly negatively correlated with parasite load. Snail reproductive capacity could, therefore, be partially impaired but only for individuals with higher parasite loads. Considering only the measured parameters, natural infection by C. tentaculata does not appear to affect intermediary metabolism of M. abbreviatus. A greater number of larvae and greater severity of tissue injuries are more frequently observed in older snails.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clivia Valle Machado
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Neurociências, Instituto de Ciências Básicas da Saúde (ICBS), Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Brazil
| | - Marcia B Mentz
- Departamento de Microbiologia, Parasitologia e Imunologia, ICBS, UFRGS, Brazil
| | - Sara Hartke
- Departamento de Fisiologia, ICBS, UFRGS, Brazil
| | - Denise M Zancan
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Neurociências, Instituto de Ciências Básicas da Saúde (ICBS), Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Brazil,
- Departamento de Fisiologia, ICBS, UFRGS, Brazil
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7
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Cowie RH, Malik R, Morgan ER. Comparative biology of parasitic nematodes in the genus Angiostrongylus and related genera. ADVANCES IN PARASITOLOGY 2023; 121:65-197. [PMID: 37474239 DOI: 10.1016/bs.apar.2023.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/22/2023]
Abstract
The rise to prominence of some Angiostrongylus species through associated emerging disease in humans and dogs has stimulated calls for a renewed focus on the biology of this genus and three related genera. Although significant research efforts have been made in recent years these have tended to focus on individual species and specific aspects such as diagnosis and treatment of disease or new records of occurrence and hosts. This comprehensive review takes a comparative approach, seeking commonalities and differences among species and asking such questions as: Which species belong to this and to closely related genera and how are they related? Why do only some species appear to be spreading geographically and what factors might underlie range expansion? Which animal species are involved in the life cycles as definitive, intermediate, paratenic and accidental hosts? How do parasite larvae find, infect and develop within these hosts? What are the consequences of infection for host health? How will climate change affect future spread and global health? Appreciating how species resemble and differ from each other shines a spotlight on knowledge gaps and provides provisional guidance on key species characteristics warranting detailed study. Similarities exist among species, including the basic life cycle and transmission processes, but important details such as host range, climatic requirements, migration patterns within hosts and disease mechanisms differ, with much more information available for A. cantonensis and A. vasorum than for other species. Nonetheless, comparison across Angiostrongylus reveals some common patterns. Historically narrow definitive host ranges are expanding with new knowledge, combining with very broad ranges of intermediate gastropod hosts and vertebrate and invertebrate paratenic and accidental hosts to provide the backdrop to complex interactions among climate, ecology and transmission that remain only partly understood, even for the species of dominant concern. Key outstanding questions concern larval dynamics and the potential for transmission outside trophic relations, relations between infection and disease severity in different hosts, and how global change is altering transmission beyond immediate impacts on development rate in gastropods. The concept of encounter and compatibility filters could help to explain differences in the relative importance of different gastropod species as intermediate hosts and determine the importance of host community composition and related environmental factors to transmission and range. Across the group, it remains unclear what, physiologically, immunologically or taxonomically, delimits definitive, accidental and paratenic hosts. Impacts of infection on definitive host fitness and consequences for population dynamics and transmission remain mostly unexplored across the genus. Continual updating and cross-referencing across species of Angiostrongylus and related genera is important to synthesise rapid advances in understanding of key traits and behaviours, especially in important Angiostrongylus species that are emerging causative agents of disease in humans and other animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert H Cowie
- Pacific Biosciences Research Center, University of Hawaii, Maile Way, Gilmore, Honolulu, HI, United States.
| | - Richard Malik
- Centre for Veterinary Education, The University of Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Eric R Morgan
- Institute for Global Food Security, Queen's University Belfast, Chlorine Gardens, Belfast, United Kingdom; School of Veterinary Science, University of Bristol, Langford House, Langford, North Somerset, United Kingdom
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Solano-Barquero A, Mora J, Graeff-Teixeira C, Rojas A. Angiostrongylus costaricensis. Trends Parasitol 2021; 37:1111-1112. [PMID: 34420866 DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2021.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2021] [Revised: 07/27/2021] [Accepted: 08/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Alberto Solano-Barquero
- Laboratory of Helminthology, Centro de Investigación en Enfermedades Tropicales, University of Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica
| | - Javier Mora
- Laboratory of Helminthology, Centro de Investigación en Enfermedades Tropicales, University of Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica
| | - Carlos Graeff-Teixeira
- Nucleo de Doenças Infecciosas, Centro de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo, Vitória, Brazil
| | - Alicia Rojas
- Laboratory of Helminthology, Centro de Investigación en Enfermedades Tropicales, University of Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica.
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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: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [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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Souza FN, Aguiar Santos M, Almeida Alves D, Cecília Vieira de Melo L, Jessé Gonçalves da Mota D, Cristina Pertile A, Gava R, Luiz Silva Pinto P, Eyre MT, Graco Zeppelini C, Reis MG, Ko AI, Begon M, Bahiense TC, Costa F, Carvalho-Pereira T. Angiostrongylus cantonensis in urban populations of terrestrial gastropods and rats in an impoverished region of Brazil. Parasitology 2021; 148:994-1002. [PMID: 33843507 PMCID: PMC11010192 DOI: 10.1017/s0031182021000597] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2020] [Revised: 04/04/2021] [Accepted: 04/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
The nematode Angiostrongylus cantonensis is the most common cause of neuroangiostrongyliasis (manifested as eosinophilic meningitis) in humans. Gastropod molluscs are used as intermediate hosts and rats of various species are definitive hosts of this parasite. In this study, we identified several environmental factors associated with the presence and abundance of terrestrial gastropods in an impoverished urban region in Brazil. We also found that body condition, age and presence of co-infection with other parasite species in urban Rattus norvegicus, as well as environmental factors were associated with the probability and intensity of A. cantonensis infection. The study area was also found to have a moderate prevalence of the nematode in rodents (33% of 168 individuals). Eight species of molluscs (577 individuals) were identified, four of which were positive for A. cantonensis. Our study indicates that the environmental conditions of poor urban areas (presence of running and standing water, sewage, humidity and accumulated rain and accumulation of construction materials) influenced both the distribution and abundance of terrestrial gastropods, as well as infected rats, contributing to the maintenance of the A. cantonensis transmission cycle in the area. Besides neuroangiostrongyliasis, the presence of these hosts may also contribute to susceptibility to other zoonoses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fábio N. Souza
- Universidade Federal da Bahia, UFBA, Salvador, Brazil
- Instituto Gonçalo Moniz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Ministério da Saúde, Salvador, Brazil
| | - Maísa Aguiar Santos
- Universidade Federal da Bahia, UFBA, Salvador, Brazil
- Instituto Gonçalo Moniz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Ministério da Saúde, Salvador, Brazil
| | - Daniele Almeida Alves
- Universidade Federal da Bahia, UFBA, Salvador, Brazil
- Instituto Gonçalo Moniz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Ministério da Saúde, Salvador, Brazil
| | | | | | - Arsinoê Cristina Pertile
- Universidade Federal da Bahia, UFBA, Salvador, Brazil
- Instituto Gonçalo Moniz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Ministério da Saúde, Salvador, Brazil
| | | | | | - Max T. Eyre
- Centre for Health Informatics, Computing, and Statistics, Lancaster University Medical School, Lancaster, UK
| | | | - Mitermayer G. Reis
- Universidade Federal da Bahia, UFBA, Salvador, Brazil
- Instituto Gonçalo Moniz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Ministério da Saúde, Salvador, Brazil
- Department of Epidemiology of Microbial Disease, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, USA
| | - Albert I. Ko
- Department of Epidemiology of Microbial Disease, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, USA
| | - Mike Begon
- Institute of Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | | | - Federico Costa
- Universidade Federal da Bahia, UFBA, Salvador, Brazil
- Instituto Gonçalo Moniz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Ministério da Saúde, Salvador, Brazil
- Department of Epidemiology of Microbial Disease, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, USA
- Institute of Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Ticiana Carvalho-Pereira
- Universidade Federal da Bahia, UFBA, Salvador, Brazil
- Instituto Gonçalo Moniz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Ministério da Saúde, Salvador, Brazil
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11
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Nagy E, Benedek I, Zsolnai A, Halász T, Csivincsik Á, Ács V, Nagy G, Tari T. Habitat Characteristics as Potential Drivers of the Angiostrongylus daskalovi Infection in European Badger ( Meles meles) Populations. Pathogens 2021; 10:pathogens10060715. [PMID: 34200340 PMCID: PMC8228055 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10060715] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2021] [Revised: 06/02/2021] [Accepted: 06/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
From 2016 to 2020, an investigation was carried out to identify the rate of Angiostrongylus spp. infections in European badgers in Hungary. During the study, the hearts and lungs of 50 animals were dissected in order to collect adult worms, the morphometrical characteristics of which were used for species identification. PCR amplification and an 18S rDNA-sequencing analysis were also carried out. Global and local spatial autocorrelation methods were used to detect high-rated and low-rated infected animal clusters. We conducted a binary logistic regression analysis along with hierarchical agglomerative clustering to determine the relation between selected biotic and abiotic variables, and the prevalence of an A. daskalovi infection. We found a high prevalence (72%) and moderate mean intensity (14.1) of Angiostrongylus sp. infection. Morphology and sequencing revealed that all animals were infected by A. daskalovi. The results of both spatial autocorrelations suggested that the spatial distribution of infected badgers was more spatially clustered than random. The results of an analysis of the correlation between habitat characteristics and infection showed that the infected animals could be associated with dry and open landscape habitats without extended and connected canopy. It is suggested that the territorial behaviour of badgers and the landscape-directed aggregation of potential intermediate hosts might be the drivers of an A. daskalovi infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eszter Nagy
- Institute of Wildlife Management and Wildlife Biology, Faculty of Forestry, University of Sopron, H-9400 Sopron, Hungary; (E.N.); (T.T.)
| | - Ildikó Benedek
- Institute of Animal Breeding, Kaposvár Campus, Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences, H-7400 Kaposvár, Hungary; (I.B.); (A.Z.)
| | - Attila Zsolnai
- Institute of Animal Breeding, Kaposvár Campus, Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences, H-7400 Kaposvár, Hungary; (I.B.); (A.Z.)
| | - Tibor Halász
- Institute of Physiology and Animal Nutrition, Kaposvár Campus, Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences, H-7400 Kaposvár, Hungary; (T.H.); (Á.C.); (V.Á.)
- Somogy County Forest Management and Wood Industry Share Co., H-7400 Kaposvár, Hungary
| | - Ágnes Csivincsik
- Institute of Physiology and Animal Nutrition, Kaposvár Campus, Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences, H-7400 Kaposvár, Hungary; (T.H.); (Á.C.); (V.Á.)
- One Health Working Group, Kaposvár Campus, Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences, H-7400 Kaposvár, Hungary
| | - Virág Ács
- Institute of Physiology and Animal Nutrition, Kaposvár Campus, Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences, H-7400 Kaposvár, Hungary; (T.H.); (Á.C.); (V.Á.)
| | - Gábor Nagy
- Institute of Physiology and Animal Nutrition, Kaposvár Campus, Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences, H-7400 Kaposvár, Hungary; (T.H.); (Á.C.); (V.Á.)
- One Health Working Group, Kaposvár Campus, Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences, H-7400 Kaposvár, Hungary
- Correspondence:
| | - Tamás Tari
- Institute of Wildlife Management and Wildlife Biology, Faculty of Forestry, University of Sopron, H-9400 Sopron, Hungary; (E.N.); (T.T.)
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A Peculiar Distribution of the Emerging Nematode Angiostrongylus cantonensis in the Canary Islands (Spain): Recent Introduction or Isolation Effect? Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11051267. [PMID: 33924825 PMCID: PMC8147057 DOI: 10.3390/ani11051267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2021] [Revised: 04/20/2021] [Accepted: 04/24/2021] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Angiostrongylus cantonensis, commonly known as the rat lungworm, is considered the leading cause of eosinophilic meningitis in humans. It is an emerging zoonotic parasite, endemic to the temperate and tropical zones of the Far East, Southeast Asia and the Pacific Islands, that has expanded to all continents with the exception of Antarctica. Considering the recent finding of this parasite in rats from the Canary Islands, the aim of this study was to determine its current distribution in these islands in order to highlight the risk sources for angiostrongyliasis in the archipelago. We also analyzed the environmental conditions that could determine distribution. A. cantonensis was detected in only one of the eight islands that constitute this archipelago, i.e., in the north part of the island, which presents better environmental conditions than the south for the parasite to establish itself. This limited distribution could indicate a recent introduction of the parasite in the Canaries or an isolation effect that has not allowed the expansion to the other islands. The presence of A. cantonensis implies risks for humans and other animals that justify the need of control measures to prevent the expansion to other similar areas of the archipelago. Abstract Angiostrongylus cantonensis is an emerging zoonotic nematode recognized as the leading cause of eosinophilic meningitis in the word. After its discovery in China, it was recorded in 30 countries worldwide. Recently, it has expanded to new areas such as South America and it has been recently found in the Atlantic island of Tenerife (Canary Islands). In order to characterize the distribution of A. cantonensis in the Canary Islands, the lungs of 1462 rodents were sampled in eight islands of the archipelago over 13 years and were then analyzed for A. cantonensis. Remarkably, the parasite was detected only in Tenerife, in Rattus rattus (19.7%) and Rattus norvegicus (7.14%). They were concretely in the northern part of the island, which had a warmer and more humid climate than the south and main cities. The absence of this nematode in other islands with similar environmental conditions could be explained by an isolation effect or by a recent introduction of the parasite in the islands. Besides, the presence in Tenerife of the most invasive lineage of A. cantonensis reinforced the hypothesis of a recent introduction on this island. This study highlights the need to implement control measures to prevent the expansion to other areas in order to avoid the transmission to humans and other animals.
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Ramos-de-Souza J, Maldonado-Jr A, Vilela RV, Andrade-Silva BE, Barbosa HS, Gomes SR, Thiengo SC. First report of the nematode Cruzia tentaculata using molluscs as natural intermediate hosts, based on morphology and genetic markers. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR PARASITOLOGY-PARASITES AND WILDLIFE 2021; 15:105-111. [PMID: 33996442 PMCID: PMC8102712 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijppaw.2021.02.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2020] [Revised: 02/18/2021] [Accepted: 02/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The life cycles of many parasitic nematodes include terrestrial gastropods as intermediate hosts. Over the past few decades, a number of cases of parasitism between molluscs and medically-important nematodes have been reported in Brazil, in particular, those involving the invasive giant African gastropod, Achatina fulica, and zoonoses caused by the nematodes Angiostrongylus cantonensis and Angiostrongylus costaricensis, the etiological agents of neuroangiostrongyliasis and abdominal angiostrongyliasis, respectively. In the present study, larvae found infecting A. fulica, Latipes erinaceus, and Thaumastus taunaisii, from two localities in the Brazilian state of Rio de Janeiro were characterized using light and scanning electron microscopy, and sequences of the 18S rRNA and MT-CO1 genes. Genetic markers allowed to identify the larvae collected in the present study as Cruzia tentaculata, whose adults parasitize didelphid marsupials in the Americas. These findings indicate that both native and non-native gastropods may act as intermediate hosts and represent a previously unnoticed heteroxenous life cycle of C. tentaculata. First report of Cruzia tentaculata as heteroxenous life cycle involving A. fulica. Integrative taxonomy of C. tentaculata larvae by morphology and MT-CO1 and 18S rRNA. C. tentaculata in both opossum and terrestrial molluscs. Infected molluscs with C. tentaculata have been found in urban and preserved areas. Strongyluris-Like reported in previous studies infecting A. fulica may represent C. tentaculata.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jucicleide Ramos-de-Souza
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biologia Parasitária, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz / Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Av. Brasil 4365, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 21040-360, Brazil.,Laboratório de Biologia e Parasitologia de Mamíferos Silvestres Reservatórios, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz / Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Av. Brasil 4365, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 21040-360, Brazil.,Laboratório de Referência Nacional para Esquistossomose - Malacologia, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz / Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Av. Brasil 4365, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 21040-360, Brazil
| | - Arnaldo Maldonado-Jr
- Laboratório de Biologia e Parasitologia de Mamíferos Silvestres Reservatórios, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz / Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Av. Brasil 4365, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 21040-360, Brazil
| | - Roberto V Vilela
- Laboratório de Biologia e Parasitologia de Mamíferos Silvestres Reservatórios, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz / Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Av. Brasil 4365, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 21040-360, Brazil
| | - Beatriz E Andrade-Silva
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biologia Parasitária, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz / Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Av. Brasil 4365, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 21040-360, Brazil.,Laboratório de Biologia e Parasitologia de Mamíferos Silvestres Reservatórios, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz / Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Av. Brasil 4365, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 21040-360, Brazil
| | - Helene S Barbosa
- Laboratório de Biologia Estrutural, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz / Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Av. Brasil, 4365 Manguinhos, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 21045-900, Brazil
| | - Suzete R Gomes
- Laboratório de Referência Nacional para Esquistossomose - Malacologia, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz / Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Av. Brasil 4365, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 21040-360, Brazil
| | - Silvana C Thiengo
- Laboratório de Referência Nacional para Esquistossomose - Malacologia, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz / Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Av. Brasil 4365, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 21040-360, Brazil
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Valente R, Robles MDR, Diaz JI. Gastropods as intermediate hosts of Angiostrongylus spp. in the Americas: bioecological characteristics and geographical distribution. Mem Inst Oswaldo Cruz 2020; 115:e200236. [PMID: 33263610 PMCID: PMC7693416 DOI: 10.1590/0074-02760200236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2020] [Accepted: 11/12/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Intermediate hosts are key organisms in maintaining parasite life cycles, because they can act as amplifiers in the transmission from natural reservoirs to humans. One of the most important groups of intermediate hosts for zoonotic nematode infections are gastropods,slugs and snails. These are essential organisms in the larval development of Angiostrongylus species. OBJECTIVES The objective of this paper is to review reports of Angiostrongylus spp. in naturally infected gastropods from the Americas, taking into account the diagnostic methods used in their identification, to be able to provide more accurate list of their intermediate hosts. We also discuss the factors that aid the dispersion of Angiostrongylus spp. in the Americas. METHODS This study reviews scientific publications and book sections on Angiostrongylus spp. in the Americas, including original works assessing larvae of Angiostrongylus in intermediate hosts. The eligible reports were classified accordingly to their geographical location, year of first record, and the larvae identification methodologies used. Digital repositories were used for the search. The bioecological characteristics of the main intermediate hosts are summarised. FINDINGS A total of 29 gastropod species that are naturally infected with Angiostrongylus spp. have been reported as intermediate hosts, 16 of which are land snails, two are freshwater snails, and 11 land slugs. MAIN CONCLUSIONS This study highlights the importance of integrative studies, analysing both the etiological agent and its transmission dynamic in the environment, the biological and ecological characteristics of the hosts, and the impact on host populations. It is necessary to increase interdisciplinary studies to determine the potential epidemiological health risk of angiostrongyliasis in the Americas, and thus be able to establish prevention, monitoring and contingency strategies in the region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Romina Valente
- Centro de Estudios Parasitológicos y de Vectores, Buenos Aires Province, Argentina
| | | | - Julia Inés Diaz
- Centro de Estudios Parasitológicos y de Vectores, Buenos Aires Province, Argentina
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15
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Dard C, Tessier E, Nguyen D, Epelboin L, Harrois D, Swale C, Cabié A, de Meuron K, Miossec C, Desbois-Nogard N. First cases of Angiostrongylus cantonensis infection reported in Martinique, 2002-2017. Parasite 2020; 27:31. [PMID: 32394891 PMCID: PMC7216674 DOI: 10.1051/parasite/2020032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2020] [Accepted: 04/28/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuroangiostrongyliasis is a parasitic disease caused by the accidental ingestion of the nematode Angiostrongylus cantonensis in its larval form. Human infection can lead to eosinophilic meningitis, sometimes complicated by life-threatening radiculomyelitis or encephalitis. Although some cases have been reported from other Caribbean Islands, no cases have been diagnosed in Martinique so far. Here, we report the first eight laboratory-confirmed cases of neuroangiostrongyliasis on the island of Martinique, French West Indies, between 1 January 2002 and 31 December 2017. One case was fatal and five resulted in neurological sequelae. The medical community should consider the risk of A. cantonensis infection in patients living in or returning from Martinique.
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Affiliation(s)
- Céline Dard
- Laboratoire de Parasitologie-Mycologie, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Grenoble Alpes, CS 10217 38043 Grenoble Cedex 9 France
- Institute for Advanced Biosciences (IAB), INSERM U1209 – CNRS UMR5309, Université Grenoble Alpes 38700 La Tronche France
| | - Eve Tessier
- Laboratoire de Parasitologie-Mycologie, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Martinique Fort-de-France 97200 Martinique France
| | - Duc Nguyen
- Service des Maladies Infectieuses et Tropicales, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Martinique Fort-de-France 97200 Martinique France
| | - Loïc Epelboin
- Service des Maladies Infectieuses et Tropicales, Centre Hospitalier Andrée Rosemon Cayenne 97300 Guyane France
| | - Dorothée Harrois
- Laboratoire de Biologie Médicale, Centre Hospitalier de Basse-Terre Basse-Terre 97100 Guadeloupe France
| | - Christopher Swale
- Institute for Advanced Biosciences (IAB), INSERM U1209 – CNRS UMR5309, Université Grenoble Alpes 38700 La Tronche France
| | - André Cabié
- Service des Maladies Infectieuses et Tropicales, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Martinique Fort-de-France 97200 Martinique France
- INSERM CIC 1424, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Martinique Fort-de-France 97200 Martinique France
- Université des Antilles, EA7524 97200 Martinique France
| | - Katia de Meuron
- Maison de la Femme, de la Mère et de l’Enfant, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Martinique Fort-de-France 97200 Martinique France
| | - Charline Miossec
- Laboratoire de Parasitologie-Mycologie, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Martinique Fort-de-France 97200 Martinique France
| | - Nicole Desbois-Nogard
- Laboratoire de Parasitologie-Mycologie, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Martinique Fort-de-France 97200 Martinique France
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Huang D, Huang Y, Tang Y, Zhang Q, Li X, Gao S, Hua W, Zhang R. Survey of Angiostrongylus cantonensis Infection Status in Host Animals and Populations in Shenzhen, 2016-2017. Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis 2019; 19:717-723. [PMID: 31306080 DOI: 10.1089/vbz.2018.2394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The study was to understand Angiostrongylus cantonensis infection status in host animals and populations in Shenzhen. In 2016-2017, 10 different ecological environments were selected, and intermediate and definitive hosts collected at the sites were examined using the enzyme digestion and dissection method to determine their infection status. Meanwhile, serum was collected from outpatients and healthy people. The enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay test was performed to detect serum IgG-specific antibodies to A. cantonensis, and serological characteristics of the populations were analyzed. A total of 300 Achatina fulica samples had an A. cantonensis infection rate of 10.67% (32/300) and an average infection intensity of 68.7 per snail, whereas 302 Pomacea canaliculata samples had an infection rate of 6.29% (19/302) and an average infection intensity of 31.4 per snail. Although both infection rate and infection intensity were lower in P. canaliculata than in A. fulica, infection intensity was significantly different (p < 0.001). Among 238 definitive-host rodents, 22 were infected with A. cantonensis. The infection rate in Rattus norvegicus was 14.68% (16/109), significantly higher than that in Rattus flavipectus (p < 0.05). The seroprevalence of A. cantonensis in the 900 outpatients and 1500 healthy people was 7.11% (64/900) and 1.87% (28/1500), respectively. Thus, the infection rate was significantly higher in outpatients than in healthy people in Shenzhen (p < 0.001). This study revealed a wide distribution and the prevalence of A. cantonensis in host animals and populations in Shenzhen, therefore, it is necessary to strengthen the current monitoring of the disease to prevent a potential outbreak.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dana Huang
- Department of Microorganism Examination, Parasitology, Shenzhen Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yalan Huang
- Department of Microorganism Examination, Tropical Medicine, Shenzhen Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yijun Tang
- Department of Microorganism Examination, Tropical Medicine, Shenzhen Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shenzhen, China
| | - Qian Zhang
- Department of Microorganism Examination, Tropical Medicine, Shenzhen Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shenzhen, China
| | - Xiaoheng Li
- Department of Microorganism Examination, Tropical Medicine, Shenzhen Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shenzhen, China
| | - Shitong Gao
- Department of Microorganism Examination, Parasitology, Shenzhen Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shenzhen, China
| | - Wuwei Hua
- Department of Microorganism Examination, Parasitology, Shenzhen Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shenzhen, China
| | - Renli Zhang
- Department of Microorganism Examination, Tropical Medicine, Shenzhen Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shenzhen, China
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Angiostrongylus (Parastrongylus) cantonensis on intermediate and definitive hosts in Ecuador, 2014-2017. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2019; 39:370-384. [PMID: 31529823 DOI: 10.7705/biomedica.v39i3.4387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2018] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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.
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Annotated catalogue of species of Angiostrongylus and the related genera Gallegostrongylus, Rodentocaulus and Stefanskostrongylus (Nematoda: Metastrongyloidea, Angiostrongylidae). J Helminthol 2019; 93:389-423. [PMID: 31064435 DOI: 10.1017/s0022149x19000270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
This catalogue is concerned with the closely related angiostrongylid genera Angiostrongylus, Gallegostrongylus, Rodentocaulus and Stefanskostrongylus. Three species, Angiostrongylus cantonensis, A. costaricensis and A. vasorum, have attracted most attention because of their importance in human and domestic animal disease. Many of the remaining species are poorly known and the number of valid taxa is unclear. The catalogue lists all nomenclaturally available and unavailable genus-group and species-group names that have been applied to the above genera and the species included in them, indicating their current nomenclatural status and providing the rigorous nomenclatural basis for future work. The catalogue lists 14 published and nomenclaturally available genus-group names, with the above four treated as valid, the other ten being junior synonyms. There are 42 published species-group names: 36 are valid, two are junior synonyms, four are nomenclaturally unavailable. One additional species, described in Chabaudistrongylus (synonym of Angiostrongylus), is listed as incertae sedis in Angiostrongylidae. Also listed are two unpublished collection names. The catalogue provides bibliographic details for all published names, and for available names provides locations of type material, details of type localities, geographic distributions and details of type and other hosts, both definitive and intermediate, to the extent known. The catalogue is a work of nomenclature, not a revisionary taxonomic work. No new names or new combinations are proposed. The apparently new family-group synonymy of Cardionematinae with Angiostrongylidae is introduced, as are four genus-group synonymies, three with Angiostrongylus and one with Stefaskostrongylus.
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Penagos-Tabares F, Lange MK, Vélez J, Hirzmann J, Gutiérrez-Arboleda J, Taubert A, Hermosilla C, Chaparro Gutiérrez JJ. The invasive giant African snail Lissachatina fulica as natural intermediate host of Aelurostrongylus abstrusus, Angiostrongylus vasorum, Troglostrongylus brevior, and Crenosoma vulpis in Colombia. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2019; 13:e0007277. [PMID: 31002674 PMCID: PMC6493767 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0007277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2018] [Revised: 05/01/2019] [Accepted: 03/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Several metastrongyloid lungworms are unreported pathogens in Colombia. Angiostrongylus vasorum and Crenosoma vulpis target the cardiopulmonary system of domestic and wild canids. Aelurostrongylus abstrusus and Troglostrongylus brevior infect felids and considering that six wild felid species exist in Colombia, knowledge of feline lungworm infections is important for their conservation. The zoonotic metastrongyloids Angiostrongylus costaricensis and Angiostrongylus cantonensis can cause severe gastrointestinal and neurological diseases. Angiostrongylus costaricensis has been reported in Colombia, while Ang. cantonensis is present in neighbouring countries. Research on the epidemiology of metastrongyloids in Colombia and South America more broadly requires evaluating the role that gastropods play as intermediate hosts in their life cycles. This study assessed the prevalence of metastrongyloid larvae in populations of the invasive giant African snail, Lissachatina fulica, in Colombia. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS A total of 609 Lissachantina fulica were collected from 6 Colombian municipalities. The snails were then cryo-euthanized, artificially digested and the sediments examined microscopically for the presence of metastrongyloid larvae. Based on morphological characteristics 53.3% (56/107) of the snails from Puerto Leguízamo (Department of Putumayo) were infected with Ael. abstrusus larvae, 8.4% (9/107) with Ang. vasorum larvae, 6.5% (7/107) with T. brevior larvae and 5.6% (6/107) with C. vulpis larvae, being the region with highest prevalences of the four species. Snails from Andes (Department of Antioquia) and Tulúa (Department of Valle del Cauca) were positive for Ang. vasorum larvae with a prevalence of 4.6 (11/238) and 6.3% (4/64), respectively. Species identifications were confirmed by PCR and sequencing. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE This epidemiological survey reports for first time the presence of Ael. abstrusus, T. brevior, C. vulpis and Ang. vasorum in L. fulica in a number of regions of Colombia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felipe Penagos-Tabares
- CIBAV Research Group, Veterinary Medicine School, Faculty of Agrarian Sciences, University of Antioquia, Medellín, Antioquia, Colombia
- Institute of Parasitology, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Giessen, Hessen, Germany
| | - Malin K. Lange
- Institute of Parasitology, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Giessen, Hessen, Germany
| | - Juan Vélez
- CIBAV Research Group, Veterinary Medicine School, Faculty of Agrarian Sciences, University of Antioquia, Medellín, Antioquia, Colombia
- Institute of Parasitology, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Giessen, Hessen, Germany
| | - Jörg Hirzmann
- Institute of Parasitology, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Giessen, Hessen, Germany
| | - Jesed Gutiérrez-Arboleda
- CIBAV Research Group, Veterinary Medicine School, Faculty of Agrarian Sciences, University of Antioquia, Medellín, Antioquia, Colombia
| | - Anja Taubert
- Institute of Parasitology, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Giessen, Hessen, Germany
| | - Carlos Hermosilla
- Institute of Parasitology, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Giessen, Hessen, Germany
| | - Jenny J. Chaparro Gutiérrez
- CIBAV Research Group, Veterinary Medicine School, Faculty of Agrarian Sciences, University of Antioquia, Medellín, Antioquia, Colombia
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Morphological characterization and molecular phylogeny of zoonotic trematodes in the freshwater snail Asolene platae. Parasitology 2019; 146:839-848. [PMID: 30724150 DOI: 10.1017/s0031182019000027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
In the context of a broader program dealing with the symbiotic associations of apple snails, we sampled three species that coexist in Lake Regatas (Palermo, Buenos Aires, Argentina). The population of Asolene platae, (but not those of Pomacea canaliculata and Pomacea scalaris) showed trematode larvae (echinocercariae and xiphidiocercariae) in haemocoelic spaces and connective tissue of the digestive gland. The echinocercariae resembled those of the genus Echinochasmus, but lacked sensory hairs on their body and tail; whereas xiphidiocercariae were similar to the xiphidiocercariae armatae belonging to the Opisthoglyphe type. The phylogenetical positions of these trematodes were inferred by the 28S rRNA, ITS1 and mtCOXI gene sequences. The 28S rRNA gene linked the echinocercarial sequences with the polyphyletic genus Echinochasmus (Echinochasmidae), while the xiphidiocercarial sequences were linked with the genus Phaneropsolus (Phaneropsolidae). The molecular markers used were able to distinguish two cryptic molecular entities of the single echinocercarial morphotype. Although ITS1 and mtCOXI did not allow resolving phylogeny beyond the family level because of the scarce number of sequences in the molecular databases, both cercariae (echinocercariae and xiphidiocercariae) could be distinguished by the Internal Transcribed Spacer 1 amplicon size. This is the first correlative morphological and molecular study of zoonotic trematodes in Neotropical ampullariids.
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Rodriguez C, Prieto GI, Vega IA, Castro-Vazquez A. Assessment of the kidney and lung as immune barriers and hematopoietic sites in the invasive apple snail Pomacea canaliculata. PeerJ 2018; 6:e5789. [PMID: 30345179 PMCID: PMC6187997 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.5789] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2018] [Accepted: 09/19/2018] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Knowledge on the immune system of Pomacea canaliculata is becoming increasingly important, because of this gastropod's role as intermediate host and vector of Angiostrongylus cantonensis, the etiologic agent of eosinophilic meningitis in humans and domestic animals. Immune defenses of this gastropod comprise both humoral and cellular components, but they may also involve organs that act as immune barriers to prevent the spread of alien molecules and organisms. Both the kidney and lung are here shown to serve this function, because of (1) their positions in blood circulation, (2) the intricate architecture of their blood spaces, and (3) the proliferative and nodulation reactions of hemocytes to an immune challenge. However, these organs differ in that only the kidney shows permanent hemocyte aggregations. Microcirculation in the kidney was found to flow through an intricate vascular bed containing the permanent aggregations, which occurred either as hemocyte islets anchored by cytoplasmic projections of the renal epithelium or as perivascular accretions. Within 96 h of the injection of yeast cells, hemocyte nodules were formed both in the kidney and lung. Moreover, cell proliferation in renal hemocyte islets was measured by bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) incorporation. The proportion of BrdU positive nuclei increased 48 h after injection. Signs of nodule regression (apoptotic bodies, lipofuscin-like deposits) and a decrease in the proportion of BrdU positive nuclei were found at 96 h. In addition, the area of renal hemocyte islets was significantly increased 96 h after injection. Nevertheless, the high complexity of the small vascular chambers that constitute the lung's respiratory lamina would also facilitate hemocyte-antigen contacts, required to elicit cellular aggregation, and hence, nodulation. To our knowledge, this paper includes the first quantitative indication of hemocyte proliferation after an immune challenge among Caenogastropoda.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristian Rodriguez
- IHEM, CONICET, Universidad Nacional de Cuyo, Mendoza, Argentina
- Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad Nacional de Cuyo, Mendoza, Argentina
- Instituto de Fisiología, Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, Universidad Nacional de Cuyo, Mendoza, Argentina
| | - Guido I. Prieto
- Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad Nacional de Cuyo, Mendoza, Argentina
| | - Israel A. Vega
- IHEM, CONICET, Universidad Nacional de Cuyo, Mendoza, Argentina
- Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad Nacional de Cuyo, Mendoza, Argentina
- Instituto de Fisiología, Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, Universidad Nacional de Cuyo, Mendoza, Argentina
| | - Alfredo Castro-Vazquez
- IHEM, CONICET, Universidad Nacional de Cuyo, Mendoza, Argentina
- Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad Nacional de Cuyo, Mendoza, Argentina
- Instituto de Fisiología, Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, Universidad Nacional de Cuyo, Mendoza, Argentina
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