Angiostrongylus Cantonensis

Angiostrongyus cantonensis is a species of helminth from the nematode class from the Metastrongylidae family. It is one of the most common human helminth infections and causes the disease angiostrongylosis, which is also known as mansonellosis. In our article we will look at the characteristics of this helminth, its spread, clinical symptoms during infection and treatment methods.

Description: Angiostongylus cantenis is a small worm reaching a length of up to 4-5 mm. The helminth lives in the circulatory system of mice, rats, domestic animals and humans, feeding on the blood of its owners. In the human body, it parasitizes mainly in the lungs and bloodstream, causing severe inflammation and tissue necrosis. Unfortunately, there are no antibodies that can effectively fight helminths. For successful treatment, it is necessary to get rid of all viable parasites in the body, since helminths can degenerate and migrate to other tissues.

Distribution: Intermediate hosts of Angistrongofus cantonensis are lobsters, crayfish, oysters, frogs, birds and reptiles, rodents, as well as humans. The proportion of human cases of mansonellosis is about 5%, mainly among visitors from Southeast Asia and Japan. Infection usually occurs through consumption of unwashed seafood, especially crustaceans. The shells are infected with helminth larvae, which subsequently turn into adults and attach to the walls of the vessels, forming bleeding ulcers there.

Symptoms: The first signs of the disease include cough, fatigue and fever. Later, chest pain occurs when inhaling, shortness of breath, hemoptysis, nasal congestion and loss of appetite. As the infection progresses, severe sweating and vomiting occur, and deterioration of health can lead to loss of consciousness. Serious complications are possible, such as purulent pneumonia and even death.

Treatment: There are medications to treat angiostrongylosis, but they may not work enough and often cause side effects. Prevention involves washing seafood using low-chlorine water and avoiding raw fish and meat. It is also important to maintain sanitary conditions in areas where marine fauna are harvested.

Angiostrongylus cantonensis (Angiostrongyloidea) is a species of nematode that is the causative agent of angiostrongyloidiasis. This helminth belongs to the Metastrongylidae family and the nematode class. The definitive host of Angiostrongylus cantonensis is the rat, and intermediate hosts are mollusks and shrimp.

Angiostrongylus cantonensis is found in Southeast Asia and Oceania. In humans, this helminth can cause a disease called angiostrongylosis.

Symptoms of angiostrongyliosis may include headache, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, fatigue, cough, shortness of breath and abdominal pain. If you suspect you may have this helminthiasis, consult your doctor. Treatment for the disease usually involves taking medications that can help kill Angiostrongylus cantenis.