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Angiostrongyliasis
Medical Questions » Angiostrongyliasis
| Name: Angiostrongyliasis |
| Also known as: Eosinophilic Meningoencephalitis |
| Infestation of the brain and surrounding membranes (meninges) by the nematode worm Angiostrongylus cantonensis. Occurs on Pacific islands, in west Africa, south Asia and in the Caribbean. |
Causes of Angiostrongyliasis
Worms normally occur in the gut of rats. Eggs pass out with rat faces, are eaten by snails, prawns or fish, and then pass to humans if these foods are eaten when poorly cooked. May directly enter humans if food contaminated by rat faces (eg. salads) are eaten. The swallowed eggs hatch into larvae which migrate through the bloodstream to the brain and meninges. Incubation period one to three weeks. |
Symptoms of Angiostrongyliasis
Severe headache, fever, neck stiffness, nausea, vomiting and abnormal nerve sensations. |
Tests for Angiostrongyliasis
Blood tests show non-specific changes. CT and MRI scans may show presence of worms in brain. |
Treatment for Angiostrongyliasis
No specific treatment available.
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Complications of Angiostrongyliasis of its treatment
May spread into the eye and cause blindness. |
Likely Outcome of Angiostrongyliasis
Symptoms persist for several months until the worm dies, and then most patients recover completely. Rarely there may be permanent brain damage and death. |
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