Human angiostrongyliasis

Human angiostrongyliasis caused by Angiostrongylus cantonensis, a rat lungworm, has been reported globally. Human infections are acquired by ingestion of raw or undercooked snails or slugs, paratenic hosts such as prawns, or contaminated vegetables that contain the infective larvae of the worm. So far, at least 2827 cases of the disease have been documented worldwide. During the past few years, several outbreaks of human angiostrongyliasis have been reported in mainland China, Taiwan, and the USA. Additionally, sporadic cases in travellers who have returned from endemic areas have been reported. We review the clinical features, diagnosis, and treatment of human angiostrongyliasis, and describe the geographical distribution and prevalence of A cantonensis. Educating the public about the dangers of eating raw or undercooked intermediate and paratenic hosts in endemic areas is essential for the prevention and control of this foodborne zoonotic disease.