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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; 71:748-754. [PMID: 38937928 DOI: 10.1111/zph.13163] [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: 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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Fuentes MV, Gomez-Samblas M, Richter O, Sáez-Durán S, Bueno-Marí R, Osuna A, Galán-Puchades MT. Local terrestrial snails as natural intermediate hosts of the zoonotic parasite Angiostrongylus cantonensis in the new European endemic area of Valencia, Spain. Zoonoses Public Health 2024; 71:451-456. [PMID: 38553828 DOI: 10.1111/zph.13131] [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: 01/04/2024] [Revised: 03/13/2024] [Accepted: 03/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/08/2024]
Abstract
AIM The rat lungworm, Angiostrongylus cantonensis, has recently been found in the city of Valencia, parasitizing rats, Rattus norvegicus and Rattus rattus, its natural definitive hosts. This is the first finding of this zoonotic nematode in continental Europe. After informing local and national health authorities, the collection of local terrestrial snails took place with the aim of elucidating their potential role as intermediate hosts of A. cantonensis. METHODS AND RESULTS A total of 145 terrestrial snails, belonging to the species Cernuella virgata, Cornu aspersum, Eobania vermiculata, Otala punctata, Pseudotachea splendida, Rumina decollata and Theba pisana, were randomly collected between May and December 2022 in public gardens, parks and orchards in six districts of Valencia, in five of which A. cantonensis had been reported previously in rats. Once collected and identified, the snails were frozen at -20°C. Subsequently, the DNA was isolated and screened by PCR using specific primers targeting the A. cantonensis COI gene. Seven individual snails, belonging to the species C. virgata, C. aspersum and T. pisana, were positive, for an overall prevalence of 4.8%. The PCR product from one of them was sequenced by Sanger sequencing. CONCLUSIONS The three positive terrestrial snail species are among the edible species that are frequently included in various dishes in Spain. C. virgata is reported as a previously unrecorded intermediate host and should be added to the list of more than 200 species of terrestrial snails that have been reported worldwide as intermediate hosts of the rat lungworm. Considering that these terrestrial snails may release infective larvae of A. cantonensis on leafy green vegetables on which they feed and during their handling and preparation for consumption, prophylactic measures to prevent human neuroangiostrongyliasis in Valencia and other regions to which this zoonotic parasite may spread are recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- Màrius V Fuentes
- Parasites and Health Research Group, Department of Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Technology and Parasitology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Valencia, Burjassot, Valencia, Spain
| | - Mercedes Gomez-Samblas
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Molecular Parasitology, Institute of Biotechnology, University of Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - Orly Richter
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Molecular Parasitology, Institute of Biotechnology, University of Granada, Granada, Spain
- Division of Biology and Medicine, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
| | - Sandra Sáez-Durán
- Parasites and Health Research Group, Department of Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Technology and Parasitology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Valencia, Burjassot, Valencia, Spain
| | - Rubén Bueno-Marí
- Parasites and Health Research Group, Department of Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Technology and Parasitology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Valencia, Burjassot, Valencia, Spain
- Laboratorios Lokímica, Paterna, Valencia, Spain
| | - Antonio Osuna
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Molecular Parasitology, Institute of Biotechnology, University of Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - María Teresa Galán-Puchades
- Parasites and Health Research Group, Department of Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Technology and Parasitology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Valencia, Burjassot, Valencia, Spain
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Rivory P, Bedoya-Pérez M, Ward MP, Šlapeta J. Older urban rats are infected with the zoonotic nematode Angiostrongylus cantonensis. CURRENT RESEARCH IN PARASITOLOGY & VECTOR-BORNE DISEASES 2024; 5:100179. [PMID: 38845789 PMCID: PMC11154120 DOI: 10.1016/j.crpvbd.2024.100179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2024] [Revised: 05/17/2024] [Accepted: 05/18/2024] [Indexed: 06/09/2024]
Abstract
Rats, being synanthropic, are hosts to agents of zoonotic diseases that pose a threat to human and domestic animal health. The nematode parasite Angiostrongylus cantonensis, commonly known as the rat lungworm, is no exception; it can cause potentially fatal neural disease in humans, dogs and other species. The distribution of A. cantonensis (haplotypes SYD.1 and Ac13) and its close relative, Angiostrongylus mackerrasae is not well understood in Australia. We investigated the prevalence of Angiostrongylus in rats in Sydney, Australia, primarily via faecal qPCR, and identified the species and haplotypes using partial cox1 sequencing. We found a moderate prevalence of infection (29%; 95% CI: 16.1-46.6%) in black (Rattus rattus) and brown (Rattus norvegicus) rats around public parks and residential areas. This study demonstrates that Sydney's urban rat population is a reservoir for A. cantonensis. Modelling infection status as a function of rat species, sex, tibia length (as a proxy for age), and health index (a measure of weight by size) revealed that older rats are statistically more likely to be infected (χ 2 1 = 5.331, P = 0.021). We observed a dominant presence of the A. cantonensis SYD.1 haplotype, for which the implications are not yet known. No A. mackerassae was detected, leading us to suspect it may have a more restricted host- and geographical range. Overall, this study illustrates the presence and potential risk of A. cantonensis infection in Sydney. Public education regarding transmission routes and preventative measures is crucial to safeguard human and animal health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Phoebe Rivory
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, Faculty of Science, The University of Sydney, New South Wales, 2006, Australia
| | - Miguel Bedoya-Pérez
- The Lambert Initiative for Cannabinoid Therapeutics, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- School of Psychology, Faculty of Science, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Michael P. Ward
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, Faculty of Science, The University of Sydney, New South Wales, 2006, Australia
| | - Jan Šlapeta
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, Faculty of Science, The University of Sydney, New South Wales, 2006, Australia
- Sydney Infectious Diseases Institute, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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Galán-Puchades MT, Gosálvez C, Trelis M, Gómez-Samblás M, Solano-Parada J, Osuna A, Sáez-Durán S, Bueno-Marí R, Fuentes MV. Parasite Fauna and Coinfections in Urban Rats Naturally Infected by the Zoonotic Parasite Angiostrongylus cantonensis. Pathogens 2023; 13:28. [PMID: 38251336 PMCID: PMC10819396 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens13010028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2023] [Revised: 12/19/2023] [Accepted: 12/25/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
When the zoonotic parasite of rodents that can cause human neuroangiostrongyliasis, i.e., Angiostrongylus cantonensis, is found in its natural definitive hosts, it is usually reported in isolation, as if the rat lungworm were the only component of its parasite community. In this study, we report the coinfections found in rats naturally infected by A. cantonensis in urban populations of Rattus norvegicus and Rattus rattus in Valencia, Spain. In addition to the rat lungworms, which were found in 14 of the 125 rats studied (a prevalence of 11.20%), 18 other parasite species (intestinal and tissular protists, microsporidia and helminths) were found, some of them with high burdens. Fourteen of these nineteen species found are potential zoonotic parasites, namely Blastocystis, Giardia duodenalis, Cryptosporidium spp., Enterocytozoon bieneusi, Encephalitozoon hellem, Toxoplasma gondii, Brachylaima spp., Hydatigera taeniaeformis s.l. larvae, Hymenolepis nana, Hymenolepis diminuta, Angiostrongylus cantonensis, Calodium hepaticum, Gongylonema neoplasticum and Moniliformis moniliformis. The total predominance of coinfected rats as well as their high parasite loads seem to indicate a trend towards parasite tolerance.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Teresa Galán-Puchades
- Parasites & Health Research Group, Department of Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Technology and Parasitology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Valencia, Burjassot, 46100 Valencia, Spain; (C.G.); (M.T.); (S.S.-D.); (R.B.-M.); (M.V.F.)
| | - Carla Gosálvez
- Parasites & Health Research Group, Department of Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Technology and Parasitology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Valencia, Burjassot, 46100 Valencia, Spain; (C.G.); (M.T.); (S.S.-D.); (R.B.-M.); (M.V.F.)
| | - María Trelis
- Parasites & Health Research Group, Department of Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Technology and Parasitology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Valencia, Burjassot, 46100 Valencia, Spain; (C.G.); (M.T.); (S.S.-D.); (R.B.-M.); (M.V.F.)
| | - Mercedes Gómez-Samblás
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Molecular Parasitology, Institute of Biotechnology, University of Granada, 18071 Granada, Spain; (M.G.-S.); (J.S.-P.); (A.O.)
| | - Jennifer Solano-Parada
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Molecular Parasitology, Institute of Biotechnology, University of Granada, 18071 Granada, Spain; (M.G.-S.); (J.S.-P.); (A.O.)
| | - Antonio Osuna
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Molecular Parasitology, Institute of Biotechnology, University of Granada, 18071 Granada, Spain; (M.G.-S.); (J.S.-P.); (A.O.)
| | - Sandra Sáez-Durán
- Parasites & Health Research Group, Department of Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Technology and Parasitology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Valencia, Burjassot, 46100 Valencia, Spain; (C.G.); (M.T.); (S.S.-D.); (R.B.-M.); (M.V.F.)
| | - Rubén Bueno-Marí
- Parasites & Health Research Group, Department of Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Technology and Parasitology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Valencia, Burjassot, 46100 Valencia, Spain; (C.G.); (M.T.); (S.S.-D.); (R.B.-M.); (M.V.F.)
- Laboratorios Lokímica, Departamento de Investigación y Desarrollo (I+D), Ronda Auguste y Louis Lumière 23, Nave 10, Parque Tecnológico, Paterna, 46980 Valencia, Spain
| | - Marius V. Fuentes
- Parasites & Health Research Group, Department of Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Technology and Parasitology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Valencia, Burjassot, 46100 Valencia, Spain; (C.G.); (M.T.); (S.S.-D.); (R.B.-M.); (M.V.F.)
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Tunali V, Korkmaz M. Emerging and Re-Emerging Parasitic Infections of the Central Nervous System (CNS) in Europe. Infect Dis Rep 2023; 15:679-699. [PMID: 37987400 PMCID: PMC10660548 DOI: 10.3390/idr15060062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2023] [Revised: 10/12/2023] [Accepted: 10/20/2023] [Indexed: 11/22/2023] Open
Abstract
In a rapidly evolving global landscape characterized by increased international travel, migration, and ecological shifts, this study sheds light on the emergence of protozoal and helminthic infections targeting the central nervous system (CNS) within Europe. Despite being traditionally associated with tropical regions, these infections are progressively becoming more prevalent in non-endemic areas. By scrutinizing the inherent risks, potential outcomes, and attendant challenges, this study underscores the intricate interplay between diagnostic limitations, susceptibility of specific population subsets, and the profound influence of climate fluctuations. The contemporary interconnectedness of societies serves as a conduit for introducing and establishing these infections, warranting comprehensive assessment. This study emphasizes the pivotal role of heightened clinician vigilance, judicious public health interventions, and synergistic research collaborations to mitigate the potential consequences of these infections. Though rare, their profound impact on morbidity and mortality underscores the collective urgency required to safeguard the neurological well-being of the European populace. Through this multifaceted approach, Europe can effectively navigate the complex terrain posed with these emergent infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Varol Tunali
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Manisa Celal Bayar University, 45030 Manisa, Turkey
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Izmir Metropolitan Municipality Eşrefpaşa Hospital, 35170 Izmir, Turkey
| | - Metin Korkmaz
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Ege University, 35100 Izmir, Turkey;
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Bruschi F. Angiostrongyliasis: A Changing Scenario? Pathogens 2023; 12:1214. [PMID: 37887730 PMCID: PMC10610020 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12101214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2023] [Revised: 09/13/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Angiostrongyliasis is a parasitic disease caused by larvae of the genus Angiostrongylus, with Angiostrongylus cantonensis and Angiostrongylus costaricensis being the two main species causing diseases in humans [...].
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabrizio Bruschi
- Department of Translational Research, New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, Università di Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
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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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