RESUMO
Although rare, Angiostrongylus costaricensis infection may be a more prevalent etiology of inflammatory bowel disease than ulcerative colitis and Chron's disease in endemic areas in Central and South America. The present study reviewed the occurrence of A. costaricensis in Brazil, its clinical presentation and pathology; and proposed diagnostic criteria and case definitions for abdominal angiostrongyliasis (AA). Southern and southeastern Brazilian regions are the main endemic areas, and AA affects both genders and all age groups. A review of all 23 published reports of 51 Brazilian patients highlighted the following features that were subsequently classified as minor diagnostic criteria: abdominal pain, palpable mass in the right lower abdominal quadrant, history of exposure, ileocecal tumor, and intestinal perforation with wall thickening. Proposed major criteria include right lower quadrant abdominal pain, blood eosinophilia, positive serology (antibody detection), intense eosinophilic infiltration that involves all strata of the intestinal wall, eosinophilic granulomatous reaction, and eosinophilic vasculitis. In addition to the definitions of suspected and possible cases according to increasing strength of evidence of this infection, demonstration of worms/eggs/larvae in tissues or Angiostrongylus DNA in tissues or serum are required for a confirmed diagnosis. The application of the proposed criteria and definitions may improve patient management, epidemiologic surveillance, and identification of new endemic areas.
Assuntos
Angiostrongylus , Infecções por Strongylida , Animais , Humanos , Dor Abdominal , Brasil/epidemiologia , Infecções por Strongylida/diagnóstico , Infecções por Strongylida/epidemiologiaRESUMO
Angiostrongylus costaricensis is a metastrongyloid nematode that primarily infects the mesenteric arteries of wild rodents. This parasite is endemic in several regions of the American continent, and in humans, causes a disease known as abdominal angiostrongyliasis. Despite the important health implications of this nematode, there are limited studies investigating the involvement of wild animals in its life cycle. In this study, we present the clinical manifestations, pathologic findings, and molecular diagnosis, to the best of our current knowledge, of the first documented onset of cerebral angiostrongyliasis because of A. costaricensis infection in a juvenile free-ranging opossum (Didelphis marsupialis). Histopathological findings stress the presence of eosinophilic meningoencephalitis with nematodes present within the lesions, and PCR was positive for cox1 and ITS1 reactions. The obtained sequences for a 279 bp fragment of ITS1 were 100% identical to A. costaricensis from Costa Rica. This case highlights the substantial difficulties in diagnosing neuroangiostrongyliasis, yet underscores the importance of considering A. costaricensis as a potential culprit behind neurological conditions in wild marsupials. It acts as an urgent call to action to improve surveillance programs tracking infectious and parasitic diseases causing mortality in wildlife populations.
RESUMO
Neural angiostrongyliasis (NA) is a parasitic disease caused by Angiostrongylus cantonensis (rat lungworm). This study presents a case of NA in a captive Bolivian squirrel monkey from a zoo in western Sydney, Australia. The objective was to identify the A. cantonensis cox1 haplotype responsible for the infection and compare its mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) to known Australian mtDNA. An epidemiological investigation was conducted to assess the risk of infection, focusing on the resident rat population in the zoo. Methods involved trapping rats and collecting rat faeces for Angiostrongylus detection, speciation, and cox1 haplotype confirmation. Various techniques were employed, including necropsy, morphological examination, and molecular methods such as ITS-2 qPCR, cox1 sequencing, and ITS-2 metabarcoding. Cluster analysis of rat faeces distribution and Angiostrongylus detection utilised an equal sampling effort (ESE) approach. Gastropods were collected throughout the study for Angiostrongylus surveillance using a hypersensitive qPCR assay. Results revealed significant clustering of rat faeces near exhibits with fresh food provision and absence of predators. Angiostrongylus-positive faeces were uniformly distributed across the zoo property. Mitochondrial DNA analysis confirmed the presence of the Ac13 haplotype of A. cantonensis in the monkey. Morphology, ITS-2 metabarcoding and partial cox1 sequencing detected only A. cantonensis, with the Ac13 cox1 haplotype predominating. A high prevalence of infection (64%, 9/14) was found in brown rats, with quantification of larvae indicating high shedding rates. Co-infections with both Ac13 and local SYD.1 A. cantonensis cox1 haplotypes were observed. Only three gastropods (all of which were Angiostrongylus-negative) were found in the survey. To minimise the risk of exposure for susceptible species, targeted rodent control was implemented in areas with higher exposure risk. A potential strategy (which requires further exploration) to consider for future zoo design was suggested. This study provides insights into the epidemiology and genetic diversity of A. cantonensis in Australia, emphasising the importance of control measures to prevent future outbreaks.
RESUMO
Angiostrongylus cantonensis is the main causative agent for eosinophilic meningoencephalitis in humans. Larvae are rarely found in the cerebral spinal fluid (CSF). Consequently, serology and DNA detection represent important diagnostic tools. However, interpretation of the results obtained from these tools requires that more extensive accuracy studies be conducted. The aim of the present study is to update guidelines for diagnosis and case definitions of neuroangiostrongyliasis (NA) as provided by a working group of a recently established International Network on Angiostrongyliasis. A literature review, a discussion regarding criteria and diagnostic categories, recommendations issued by health authorities in China and an expert panel in Hawaii (USA), and the experience of Thailand were considered. Classification of NA cases and corresponding criteria are proposed as follows: minor (exposure history, positive serology, and blood eosinophilia); major (headache or other neurological signs or symptoms, CSF eosinophilia); and confirmatory (parasite detection in tissues, ocular chambers, or CSF, or DNA detection by PCR and sequencing). In addition, diagnostic categories or suspected, probable, and confirmatory are proposed. Updated guidelines should improve clinical study design, epidemiological surveillance, and the proper characterization of biological samples. Moreover, the latter will further facilitate accuracy studies of diagnostic tools for NA to provide better detection and treatment.
RESUMO
This study describes changes in oxidative stress (OS) parameters in mice experimentally infected with Angiostrongylus costaricensis, which causes abdominal angiostrongyliasis. For this, 28 Swiss mice were used, divided into two groups (G1 and G2), with 14 animals each. Of these, eight were infected with ten infective larvae each, by gavage, and six were used as a control group. Mice from G1 and G2 were euthanized at 14 days and 24 days post-infection, respectively. Tissue samples were used for histopathological analysis and blood (serum) samples were taken to assess the levels of proteins, non-protein thiols (NPTs) and nitric oxide (NO), from centrifugation and subsequent collection of aliquots of the supernatant. Among OS parameters, infected mice in both groups had higher NO levels than the control group, due to the presence of: eosinophil infiltrate in the liver and intestine; pancreatitis; and intestinal granuloma. However, the infected mice of both groups showed a reduction in the levels of NPTs, in relation to the control group, due to the presence of: eosinophilic infiltrate in the liver and intestine; and intestinal granuloma. Our results suggest that A. costaricensis infection has important effects on the intestine, liver and pancreas, and the analyses were performed from the tissue of these organs. The mechanisms for these changes are related to the decrease in the body's main antioxidant defences, as demonstrated by the reduction of NPTs, thus contributing to the development of more severe tissue damage. Thus, the objective of the present study was to evaluate the relationship between histopathological lesions and markers for OS.
Assuntos
Angiostrongylus , Infecções por Strongylida , Camundongos , Animais , Granuloma , Estresse OxidativoRESUMO
Abdominal angiostrongyliasis (AA) is a zoonotic disease caused by the nematode Angiostrongylus costaricensis, which is endemic in southern Brazil. Humans become infected by ingesting third-stage (L3) larvae and are considered accidental hosts since neither eggs nor first-stage (L1) larvae are found in feces. The definitive diagnosis can be made by histopathologic examination of surgical specimens or intestinal biopsies. The present study assessed the use of PCR to carry out the molecular detection of AA from serum samples. A total of 62 human serum samples were divided into three groups: (i) 28 serum samples from human patients with presumptive histopathological diagnosis of AA; (ii) 23 serum samples from individuals with unknown serology for AA; (iii) 11 serum samples from patients that suffered from different parasitosis were included. The serum samples were initially tested by in-house indirect ELISA and then by PCR. A total of 14 samples were positive by ELISA, and 6 were positive by PCR. Six samples that were negative by ELISA were positive by PCR. Amplicons were sequenced, and Angiostrongylus DNA was confirmed. We conclude that PCR amplification can be used to confirm Angiostrongylus DNA in serum, which is especially important in cases where antibody levels are too low to be detected. It may also serve as a useful target for survey studies.
Assuntos
Angiostrongylus , Infecções por Strongylida , Animais , Humanos , Angiostrongylus/genética , Infecções por Strongylida/diagnóstico , Reação em Cadeia da Polimerase , ZoonosesRESUMO
The Indirect Immunofluorescence Assay (IFA) was used to identify stage-specific antigenic structures in paraffin sections of female larvae and worms and snails tissues, infected with third stage larvae of Angiostrongylus cantonensis. Sera from eosinophilic meningitis cases were used to assess reactivity. Non-reactive sera from patients with other parasitic diseases and from individuals without other etiologies were used as controls for cross-reactivity. Larvae and worms showed high reactivity to IgG antibodies. IgM antibodies reacted with low intensity only to larvae. Fluorescent reactions were observed in the cuticles and internal structures on worms sections, with a marked reaction in the uterus content. In the snail tissues, the larvae were found exclusively inside the granulomas, with fluorescent markings in the cuticles of the larvae and inside the granulomatous tissues. This fluorescent pattern suggests the presence of excretory/secretory antigens distributed throughout the granulomas. Expressive cross-reactivity occurred in sera from patients with other parasitic diseases, especially strongyloidiasis. The use of IFA applied to paraffin sections to identify structures with antigenic potential and the study of new serological markers, can contribute to the improvement of the laboratory diagnosis of eosinophilic meningitis. (AU)
A Reação de Imunofluorescência Indireta (RIFI) foi utilizada para localizar antígenos em estruturas estágio-específicas em cortes parafinados de vermes fêmeas e em tecidos de caramujos do Gênero Biomphalaria infectados com larvas de terceiro estágio de Angiostrongylus cantonensis. Soros de casos confirmados de meningite eosinfílica foram usados para avaliação da reatividade. Soros não reagentes de casos suspeitos; de pacientes com outras parasitoses e de indivíduos sem outras etiologias foram utilizados como controle de reatividade cruzada. Anticorpos da classe IgG foram reativos para antígenos presentes nos dois estágios e, anticorpos IgM somente para o estágio larvário. Nos cortes de vermes, as marcações fluorescentes foram assinaladas nas cutículas e estruturas internas, com acentuada marcação para os conteúdos uterinos. Nos tecidos dos caramujos as larvas foram encontradas exclusivamente no interior dos granulomas, com marcações fluorescentes nas cutículas das larvas e no interior dos tecidos granulomatosos. O padrão de fluorescência no granuloma sugere a marcação de antígenos excretores/secretores. Reatividade cruzada mais expressiva ocorreu com anticorpos presentes em soros de pacientes com outras parasitoses, com destaque para estrongiloidíase. A RIFI em cortes parafinados abre novas perspectivas para identificação de antígenos e de marcadores sorológicos, que possam ser aplicados no aprimoramento do diagnóstico laboratorial da meningite eosinofílica. (AU)
Assuntos
Técnicas Histológicas , Angiostrongylus cantonensis , Técnica Indireta de Fluorescência para Anticorpo , Antígenos de HelmintosRESUMO
This study describes changes in haematological parameters, cytokine profile, histopathology and cortisol levels in Swiss mice experimentally infected with Angiostrongylus costaricensis. Twenty-eight Swiss mice were divided into two groups (G1 and G2) of 14 animals each. In each group, eight animals were infected orally with ten third-stage larvae of A. costaricensis and six were used as a control group. The mice of groups G1 and G2 were sacrificed 14 and 24 days after infection, respectively. Samples were collected for histopathological and haematological analyses and determination of the cytokine profile and cortisol levels. Granulomatous reaction, eosinophilic infiltrate and vasculitis in the intestinal tract, pancreas, liver and spleen were observed with varying intensity in infected animals. Our results showed that the mice developed normocytic and hypochromic anaemia, and that the histopathological lesions caused by the experimental infection influenced increases in cortisol, neutrophil and monocyte levels. In addition to this, we detected increased interleukin-6 and tumour necrosis factor alpha levels in the infected animals.
Assuntos
Angiostrongylus , Infecções por Strongylida , Animais , Hidrocortisona , Intestinos , Larva , CamundongosRESUMO
Angiostrongylus costaricensis is a zoonotic parasitic nematode described for the first time in 1971 by Pedro Morera and Rodolfo Céspedes in Costa Rica. This parasite causes an infection known as abdominal angiostrongyliasis, affecting mainly school-aged children and young adults. Infection with A. costaricensis has been associated with a myriad of rodent and mollusk species in the Americas and the Caribbean, as its natural hosts and reservoirs. In this commemorative review, we highlight the extensive research collected through a 50-year journey, which includes ecological, pathological, and molecular studies on A. costaricensis and its implicated disease. We also identify major knowledge gaps in its evolutionary history, the ecological role of imported and invasive mollusk species, and immune response. We propose that the advent of -omics analyses will allow us to gather novel information regarding A. costaricensis biology and infection dynamics, as well as to promote the design of much-needed sensitive and specific diagnostic tools.
Assuntos
Angiostrongylus/classificação , Reservatórios de Doenças/parasitologia , Moluscos/parasitologia , Doenças dos Roedores/parasitologia , Infecções por Strongylida/parasitologia , América/epidemiologia , Angiostrongylus/genética , Angiostrongylus/imunologia , Angiostrongylus/fisiologia , Animais , Região do Caribe/epidemiologia , Especificidade de Hospedeiro , Humanos , Imunidade , Espécies Introduzidas , Larva , Estágios do Ciclo de Vida , Roedores , Infecções por Strongylida/diagnóstico , Infecções por Strongylida/epidemiologia , Infecções por Strongylida/patologia , ZoonosesRESUMO
The nematode Angiostrongylus cantonensis is the most common cause of neuroangiostrongyliasis (manifested as eosinophilic meningitis) in humans. Gastropod molluscs are used as intermediate hosts and rats of various species are definitive hosts of this parasite. In this study, we identified several environmental factors associated with the presence and abundance of terrestrial gastropods in an impoverished urban region in Brazil. We also found that body condition, age and presence of co-infection with other parasite species in urban Rattus norvegicus, as well as environmental factors were associated with the probability and intensity of A. cantonensis infection. The study area was also found to have a moderate prevalence of the nematode in rodents (33% of 168 individuals). Eight species of molluscs (577 individuals) were identified, four of which were positive for A. cantonensis. Our study indicates that the environmental conditions of poor urban areas (presence of running and standing water, sewage, humidity and accumulated rain and accumulation of construction materials) influenced both the distribution and abundance of terrestrial gastropods, as well as infected rats, contributing to the maintenance of the A. cantonensis transmission cycle in the area. Besides neuroangiostrongyliasis, the presence of these hosts may also contribute to susceptibility to other zoonoses.
Assuntos
Angiostrongylus cantonensis/isolamento & purificação , Gastrópodes/parasitologia , Ratos/parasitologia , Doenças dos Roedores/parasitologia , Infecções por Strongylida/veterinária , Animais , Brasil/epidemiologia , Fezes/parasitologia , Feminino , Gastrópodes/classificação , Masculino , Moluscos/parasitologia , Doenças do Sistema Nervoso/epidemiologia , Doenças do Sistema Nervoso/parasitologia , Doenças do Sistema Nervoso/veterinária , Áreas de Pobreza , Prevalência , Doenças dos Roedores/epidemiologia , Doenças dos Roedores/transmissão , Infecções por Strongylida/epidemiologia , Infecções por Strongylida/parasitologia , Infecções por Strongylida/transmissão , População UrbanaRESUMO
Angiostrongylus cantonensis is the main aetiological agent of eosinophilic meningoencephalitis in humans. Several outbreaks have been documented around the world, cementing its status as an emerging global public health concern. As a result, new strategies for the diagnosis, prophylaxis and treatment of cerebral angiostrongyliasis are urgently needed. In this study, we report on the de novo assembly of the A. cantonensis transcriptome, its full functional annotation and a reconstruction of complete metabolic pathways. All results are available at AngiostrongylusDB (http://angiostrongylus.lad.pucrs.br/admin/welcome). The aim of this study was to identify the active genes and metabolic pathways involved in the mechanisms of infection and survival inside Rattus norvegicus. Among 389 metabolic mapped pathways, the blood coagulation/antithrombin pathways of heparan sulphate/heparin are highlighted. Moreover, we identified genes codified to GP63 (leishmanolysin), CALR (calreticulin), ACE (peptidyl-dipeptidase A), myoglobin and vWD (von Willebrand factor type D domain protein) involved in the infection invasion and survival of the parasite. The large dataset of functional annotations provided and the full-length transcripts identified in this research may facilitate future functional genomics studies and provides a basis for the development of new techniques for the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of cerebral angiostrongyliasis.
Assuntos
Antitrombinas/metabolismo , Fatores de Coagulação Sanguínea/metabolismo , Transcriptoma , Angiostrongylus cantonensis , Animais , Feminino , Ratos , Infecções por StrongylidaRESUMO
Angiostrongylus cantonensis, a rat lungworm, is one of the leading causes of eosinophilic meningitis in humans. Infection in humans occurs by the ingestion of intermediate hosts, undercooked paratenic hosts or contaminated vegetables and fruits by mucus from infected molluscs. This zoonosis is widespread in tropical and subtropical areas of Southeast Asia, it has also been reported in the Pacific Islands as well as in other regions of Americas. In Brazil, human cases of angiostrongyliasis have been reported since 2007 in Southeast, Northeast, and South regions. In January 2011, we collected a batch of 30 Belocaulus willibaldoi slides in a neighborhood of São Paulo city (Parque Fernanda). Six of them were used for identifying species, and the others (24) were used in parasitological tests through digestion in peptic solution and then larvae isolation by the Rugai method. A total of 250 larvae were obtained and they had morphological traits of Angiostrongylus spp. Later, four Golden hamsters (Mesocricetus auratus) were infected with 38 larvae that allowed the recovery of young worms from the brain and lungs of rodents on the 21st and 30th day of infection. In this same neighborhood we captured rodents (Rattus norvegicus) that, after necropsy led us to recovery of 22 adult worms in the pulmonary arteries (14 males and 8 females) in May 2011. The larvae and worms obtained from natural infection were evaluated by morphological and morphometric parameters, as well as biological behavior patterns and molecular profile. All methodologies identified the parasite as Angiostrongylus cantonensis. In this way, we report for the first time, the natural infection by A. cantonensis in intermediate (B. willibaldoi) and definitive (R. norvegicus) hosts in a new urban region of Brazil.
RESUMO
Angiostrongylus cantonensis is the main cause of human eosinophilic meningitis. Humans are accidental hosts, becoming infected due to ingestion of raw intermediate (snails and slugs) or paratenic hosts. Once ingested, the larvae migrate towards the brain where they die, causing the disease. To develop better mollusk control strategies, it is important to first understand what happens in the snail during infection, therefore our purpose was to characterize proteomic, metabolic and immunologic changes in Biomphalaria glabrata 24 h after infection with A. cantonensis. For this purpose, proteins were extracted from infected and uninfected snails and analyzed through mass spectrometry. Hemolymph was also collected, the number of hemocytes was counted and urea, nitric oxide, calcium, glycogen levels as well as alanine and aspartate aminotransferases activities were assessed. The cephalopodal region and gonad-digestive gland complex were dissected and their glycogen content was measured. After infection with A. cantonensis, we observed an increase of hemocytes and granulocytes as well as an increase in hemoglobin type 2 proteins. Temptin-like protein was also found up-regulated in infected snails. Several proteins with structural function (such as myosin heavy chain - striated muscle - like and protein LOC106059779 with ADAM/reprosolin domain) were also differentially expressed, suggesting loss/damage of internal tissues. Increase in phosphoglycerate mutase indicates an increase in glycolysis, possible to compensate the increase in energetic needs. Consequently, there is a decrease in glycogen reserves, particularly in the gonad - digestive gland complex.
Assuntos
Biomphalaria/parasitologia , Proteômica/métodos , Infecções por Strongylida/metabolismo , Animais , Hemolinfa/química , Interações Hospedeiro-Parasita , Humanos , Ratos , Ratos WistarRESUMO
Abdominal angiostrongyliasis is caused by Angiostrongylus costaricensis, the definitive and intermediate hosts of which are wild rodents and terrestrial molluscs, respectively. Humans are accidental hosts and can be infected by ingesting the third-stage (infective) larvae (L3). It remains unclear whether the number of L3 inoculated is related to lesion severity. Our aim was to analyse histopathological alterations in Swiss mice infected with different doses of A. costaricensis. Thirty-two mice were randomly divided into four groups (n = 8/group): uninfected, control mice; mice infected with a low dose (five L3); mice infected with an intermediate dose (15 L3); and mice infected with a high dose (30 L3). The frequency of intestinal thrombi, splenitis, eggs/larvae, hepatic infarction and acute pancreatitis differed among the groups, the last being considered a significant finding. We conclude that different infective doses alter the histopathological aspects of the infection in Swiss mice, those aspects being more pronounced at medium and high doses, with no effect on the development of the disease. This experimental model shows that the parasite life cycle can be maintained in Swiss mice through the inoculation of a low dose (five L3).
Assuntos
Trato Gastrointestinal/patologia , Trato Gastrointestinal/parasitologia , Interações Hospedeiro-Parasita , Carga Parasitária , Infecções por Strongylida/parasitologia , Doença Aguda , Angiostrongylus/patogenicidade , Animais , Larva/patogenicidade , Masculino , Camundongos , Pancreatite/parasitologiaRESUMO
Three patients with eosinophilic meningitis (EoM) were investigated in two hospitals in Porto Alegre, Southern Brazil. These patients had a common exposure after the ingestion of raw mollusks in a religious ritual. Two of them had an uncommon presentation with intense lower distal extremities pain and small fiber neuropathy as defined by an electroneuromyography (ENMG) study. All three patients were positive for Angiostrongylus cantonensis serology and recovered after antihelminthic and anti-inflammatory treatment. Increased awareness of A. cantonensis infection is important to avoid new infections and to improved recognition and handling of cerebral angiostrongyliasis.
Assuntos
Angiostrongylus cantonensis/isolamento & purificação , Surtos de Doenças , Eosinofilia/epidemiologia , Meningite/epidemiologia , Infecções por Strongylida/epidemiologia , Adulto , Animais , Brasil/epidemiologia , Eosinofilia/parasitologia , Feminino , Humanos , Masculino , Meningite/parasitologia , Infecções por Strongylida/parasitologiaRESUMO
Neuroangiostrongyliasis is a parasitic disease caused by the accidental ingestion of the nematode Angiostrongylus cantonensis in its larval form. Human infection can lead to eosinophilic meningitis, sometimes complicated by life-threatening radiculomyelitis or encephalitis. Although some cases have been reported from other Caribbean Islands, no cases have been diagnosed in Martinique so far. Here, we report the first eight laboratory-confirmed cases of neuroangiostrongyliasis on the island of Martinique, French West Indies, between 1 January 2002 and 31 December 2017. One case was fatal and five resulted in neurological sequelae. The medical community should consider the risk of A. cantonensis infection in patients living in or returning from Martinique.
TITLE: Premiers cas d'angiostrongylose à Angiostrongylus cantonensis à la Martinique, de 2002 à 2017. ABSTRACT: L'angiostrongylose neuroméningée est une maladie parasitaire causée par l'ingestion accidentelle du nématode Angiostrongylus cantonensis sous sa forme larvaire. L'infection humaine peut conduire à une méningite à éosinophiles, pouvant évoluer en radiculomyélite ou encéphalite menaçant le pronostic vital. Bien que des cas aient été rapportés dans d'autres îles des Caraïbes, aucun cas n'avait été diagnostiqué à la Martinique jusqu'à présent. Dans cet article, nous caractérisons les huit premiers cas d'angiostrongylose neuroméningée biologiquement diagnostiqués à la Martinique, Antilles françaises, entre le 1er janvier 2002 et le 31 décembre 2017. Un cas s'est révélé mortel et cinq ont engendré des séquelles neurologiques. La communauté médicale doit désormais considérer le risque d'infection à A. cantonensis chez les patients vivant ou revenant d'un voyage à la Martinique.
Assuntos
Eosinofilia/diagnóstico , Eosinofilia/parasitologia , Meningite/diagnóstico , Meningite/parasitologia , Infecções por Strongylida/complicações , Infecções por Strongylida/diagnóstico , Angiostrongylus cantonensis/isolamento & purificação , Animais , Anti-Helmínticos/uso terapêutico , Criança , Evolução Fatal , Feminino , Humanos , Lactente , Masculino , Martinica , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Estudos Retrospectivos , Testes SorológicosRESUMO
Angiostrongylus costaricensis is the causative agent of abdominal angiostrongyliasis, a zoonotic infection that may produce severe eosinophilic enterocolitis or hepatitis in humans. Parasites are usually not released in stools and serology has an important role in diagnosis. Since cross-reactivity is demonstrated between A. costaricensis and another metastrongylid worm, A. cantonensis, we tested heterologous recombinant galectin as a probe in an immunochromatographic rapid diagnostic test (ICT-RDT) for detection of anti-A. costaricensis antibodies. Almost all (11/12) positive control sera from A. costaricensis infected patients were positive at ICT RDT. These are preliminary indications that r-galectin ICT-RDT is useful for diagnosing A. costaricensis infection.
Assuntos
Humanos , Animais , Infecções por Strongylida/diagnóstico , Angiostrongylus cantonensis , Angiostrongylus , Testes Imunológicos , ImunoensaioRESUMO
In January and February 2019, a malacological survey was conducted in the area surrounding the residence of a 12-year-old child that had contracted cerebral angiostrongyliasis in the municipality of Macapá, capital of the Amapá State, northern Brazil. The serological examination was positive for Angiostrongylus cantonensis infection, the principal etiological agent of this parasitosis. A sample of 54 molluscs was artificially and individually digested for parasitological analysis, containing 38 specimens of Achatina fulica, nine specimens of Bulimulus tenuissimus and seven specimens of Sarasinula linguaeformis. A. fulica was the most abundant mollusc, and the only species infected with A. cantonensis, as well as presenting co-infections with other nematodes. This is the first report of cerebral angiostrongyliasis in the Amazon Region, and the first record of A. fulica infected with A. cantonensis in Amapá. These findings highlight the potential risks of human angiostrongyliasis, and the need to implement public health measures to control the spread of the disease.
Assuntos
Humanos , Animais , Criança , Caramujos/parasitologia , Infecções por Strongylida/diagnóstico , Infecções por Strongylida/veterinária , Angiostrongylus cantonensis/isolamento & purificação , Brasil , Anticorpos Anti-Helmínticos , Cidades , Infecções por Strongylida/parasitologia , DNA de Helmintos/genética , DNA de Helmintos/químicaRESUMO
Many molluscs may be infected with angiostrongylid larvae. Following the histopathological diagnosis of abdominal angiostrongyliasis in a grape farmer from southern Brazil, molluscs in the area were investigated. During a nocturnal search, 245 specimens of slugs were collected and identified as the invasive Chinese slug Meghimatium pictum. Angiostrongylus costaricensis worms were recovered from mice that were experimentally infected with larvae obtained from 11 (4.5%) of the molluscs. This study presents the first report of M. pictum being identified as an intermediate host for A. costaricensis. Most of the slugs were collected from grape plants, which suggests that transmission may be associated with grape consumption.
Assuntos
Angiostrongylus/isolamento & purificação , Gastrópodes/parasitologia , Infecções por Strongylida/parasitologia , Vitis/parasitologia , Angiostrongylus/classificação , Angiostrongylus/genética , Animais , Brasil , Gastrópodes/classificação , Humanos , Espécies Introduzidas , Camundongos , Infecções por Strongylida/transmissãoRESUMO
Abdominal angiostrongyliasis is an endemic zoonosis in southern Brazil caused by the nematode Angiostrongylus costaricensis, which uses terrestrial molluscs as intermediate hosts and wild rodents as final hosts. Humans can be infected by ingesting infectious A. costaricensis larvae. To date, correlations between shedding of first-stage larvae (L1) and different infective doses of third-stage larvae (L3) have not been elucidated. The aim of this study was to assess L1 faecal shedding levels in Swiss mice experimentally infected with different doses of A. costaricensis L3 and to determine whether infective doses are related to mortality. Thirty-two male Swiss mice were divided evenly into a non-infected control (NI-Con); low-dose infection (LD-Inf); medium-dose infection (MD-Inf) and high-dose infection (HD-Inf) groups infected with 0, 5, 15 and 30 A. costaricensis L3, respectively. Faecal samples were collected from each animal, starting at day 20 post infection. HD-Inf mice had greater faecal L1 shedding levels than LD-Inf mice, but not a significantly shortened survival. In conclusion, infective doses of A. costaricensis L3 affect L1 shedding levels without altering mortality in Swiss mice.