Contents

SynopsisCodesLook ForDiagnostic PearlsDifferential Diagnosis & PitfallsBest TestsManagement PearlsTherapyReferences
Angiostrongylus costaricensis infection
Other Resources UpToDate PubMed

Angiostrongylus costaricensis infection

Contributors: David L. McCollum MD, J. Martin Rodriguez MD, James H. Willig MD, MSPH
Other Resources UpToDate PubMed

Synopsis

Angiostrongyliasis is a zoonotic disease resulting from infection with two species of a parasitic nematode (roundworm), Angiostrongylus cantonensis (also known as rat lungworm) and Angiostrongylus costaricensis. The predominant clinical manifestations in humans are eosinophilic meningitis for A. cantonensis and enteritis for A. costaricensis. This summary focuses on angiostrongyliasis resulting from infection with A. costaricensis.

Angiostrongyliasis costaricensis has been reported mostly in South and Central America, the Caribbean, and Africa.

The life cycle is similar for both species. In the definite host (rats), adult worms lay eggs, and larvae hatch from them, migrate, and get excreted in the rat's feces. These larvae are then swallowed by snails and slugs. These slugs may then be eaten by a variety of creatures including frogs, crabs, fish, etc. The predominant manner in which humans become infected is ingestion of raw snails that are harboring the larva. Similarly, ingestion of other uncooked or undercooked freshwater species that have consumed infected snails or slugs such as frogs, shrimp, crabs, and fish can also lead to disease. Fruits and vegetables can also carry larvae and cause infection. Children may infect themselves by putting their hands in their mouth after playing with affected creatures.

Angiostrongylus costaricensis causes eosinophilic enteritis, usually in children. Since the worms often reside in the arterioles of the ileocecal region, the infection is often discovered during surgery in cases of suspected appendicitis. The worms are typically removed at the time of surgery.

Codes

ICD10CM:
B81.3 – Intestinal angiostrongyliasis

SNOMEDCT:
72966005 – Angiostrongylus costaricensis

Look For

Subscription Required

Diagnostic Pearls

Subscription Required

Differential Diagnosis & Pitfalls

To perform a comparison, select diagnoses from the classic differential

Subscription Required

Best Tests

Subscription Required

Management Pearls

Subscription Required

Therapy

Subscription Required

References

Subscription Required

Last Updated:11/02/2016
Copyright © 2024 VisualDx®. All rights reserved.
Angiostrongylus costaricensis infection
Print  
A medical illustration showing key findings of Angiostrongylus costaricensis infection : Abdominal pain, Fever, Nausea, Vomiting, Anorexia, EOS increased, RLQ abdominal mass
Copyright © 2024 VisualDx®. All rights reserved.