Neuroangiostrongyliasis: accidental zoonosis caused by the rat lungworm

Phoebe Rivory; Jan Šlapeta

doi:10.1071/MA25013

RESEARCH ARTICLE (Open Access)

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Neuroangiostrongyliasis: accidental zoonosis caused by the rat lungworm

Phoebe Rivory ^A and Jan Šlapeta ^A ^B ^*

+ Author Affiliations

- Author Affiliations

^A Sydney School of Veterinary Science, Faculty of Science, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia.

^B Sydney Infectious Diseases Institute, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia.

Phoebe Rivory is a PhD candidate at The University of Sydney. Her primary research focus is Angiostrongylus in Australia.

Jan Šlapeta is a professor at The University of Sydney. He applies traditional and state of the art molecular approaches to understand parasite identity, origin and role in disease and pathogenesis.

^* Correspondence to: jan.slapeta@sydney.edu.au

Microbiology Australia https://doi.org/10.1071/MA25013

Submitted: 17 January 2025 Accepted: 25 January 2025 Published: 17 February 2025

© 2025 The Author(s) (or their employer(s)). Published by CSIRO Publishing on behalf of the ASM. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (CC BY)

Abstract

The genus Angiostrongylus comprises parasitic nematodes that primarily infect the respiratory and circulatory systems of vertebrates, posing significant medical and veterinary concerns. The life cycle involves an indirect transmission between definitive and intermediate mollusc hosts, such as slugs or snails. Three species, A. cantonensis, A. mackerrasae and A. malaysiensis, are notable for their migration into the central nervous system (CNS) of their definitive rat hosts. Angiostrongylus cantonensis is particularly concerning, because it initiates CNS migration in various vertebrates, including accidental hosts like humans and dogs, leading to parasitic meningitis called neuroangiostrongyliasis (NAS). Angiostrongylus cantonensis, first identified in China and causing eosinophilic meningitis in humans and dogs, has expanded globally. Transmission to accidental hosts often occurs through ingestion of raw or undercooked snails, contaminated produce or water. Human cases in eastern Australia are rare but can be severe, whereas canine cases are more frequent. Diagnostic challenges persist, with advanced imaging and serological tests offering limited utility. Recent developments in hypersensitive quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) assays show promise for improved detection. Understanding the transmission dynamics and enhancing diagnostic capabilities are crucial for managing this zoonotic threat.

Keywords: Angiostrongylus cantonensis, Australia, diagnostic, ELISA, epidemiology, meningitis, neural angiostrongyliasis, parasitology, PCR, veterinary.

Biographies

Phoebe Rivory is a PhD candidate at The University of Sydney. Her primary research focus is Angiostrongylus in Australia.

Jan Šlapeta is a professor at The University of Sydney. He applies traditional and state of the art molecular approaches to understand parasite identity, origin and role in disease and pathogenesis.

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