He rat lungworm, Angiostrongylus cantonensisrefers to the Chinese city of Canton, northwest of Hong Kong and with a population of 15.31 million, is a parasite that causes the in Southeast Asia and the Pacific Rim.
It was first detected in 1935 by the Chinese parasitologist Hsin-Tao Chen in patients with eosinophilic meningitisan inflammation of the membrane that covers the brain and that has an infectious origin.
And although this disease was first analyzed almost 100 years ago, it is in the news after being first discovered in Western Europe. Specifically, in the city of Valencia.
The work, which has been published in the journal , has been carried out by the Parasites and Health group of the University of Valencia and directed by Professor María Teresa Galán.
Of the 90 specimens of rats that have been studied, it has been detected in 9% of them.
“To date, the nematode had only been detected at the island level in Europe (in rats from Tenerife and in sea urchins from Mallorca). Both globalization and climate change are favoring the expansion of this zoonotic parasite of Asian origin”, explains the main author of the research.
Rat lungworm has been identified in sewer rats, whose scientific name is Rattus norvegicus, one of the best known and most common species and which represents a pest in some areas. And also in black rat (rattus rattus), a myomorphic rodent, native to tropical Asia, that is present throughout the world.
Rat lungworm: how do you get it?
The parasite is in the pulmonary arteries of rats. However, the larvae they can reach snails and slugs, which are the main source of contagion.
Transmission occurs with the ingestion of these mollusks (raw or undercooked) or by consumption of raw vegetables (lettuce and cabbage) and contaminated by the slime of infected snails and slugs.
But they are not the only route of contagion. Animals can also consume these infected shellfish and, in turn, be carriers of this infection and transmit it to humans.
They are, for example, crustaceans such as freshwater shrimp or land crabs. As long as they are eaten undercooked.
Thus, the only form of prevention is to avoid eating raw or undercooked snails, slugs, freshwater shrimp, or land crabs. Especially in those areas where the Angiostrongylus cantonensis It is endemic: Southeast Asia and Pacific regions.
What are the symptoms?
Rat lungworm can cause eosinophilic meningitis, which is inflammation of the fluid and meninges (membranes) that surround the brain and spinal cord. This inflammation It usually presents with symptoms such as headache, fever, and stiff neck.
Other signs may be:
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Confusion or difficulty concentrating.
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Seizures.
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Lack of appetite.
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Acne.
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Drowsiness.
Treatment of eosinophilic meningitis
There is no specific treatment for eosinophilic meningitis, although corticosteroids are used, drugs indicated to reduce the inflammation caused by this parasite. is also performed cerebrospinal fluid extraction.
It is a potentially fatal disease, since the risk of seizures and neurological damage can become permanent. In the worst case, it can lead to death. However, with treatment, even patients with the worst prognosis can make a good recovery.
If the cause of meningitis is unknown, antivirals and antibiotics may be given.