Survey of infection status of Angiostrongylus cantonensis in winkle from 9 cities in Guizhou Province

Objective To investigate the infection status of Angiostrongylus cantonensis in winkle from 9 cities in Guizhou Province. Methods The winkles were collected randomly from aquatic products wholesale market, agricultural market or restaurants in 9 cities (Guiyang, Zunyi, Tongren, Kaili, Anshun, Duyun, Xingyi, Bijie and Shuicheng) and classified in Guizhou Province, and the third-stage larvas of Angiostrongylus cantonensis were separated and detected with microscopy by tissue homogenization (Pomacea canaliculata was first checked with lung screening method, and then rechecked by tissue homogenization), and infection rate was calculated. Results Totally 2 177 winkles were tested, the overall infection rate of Angiostrongylus cantonensis was 1.5% (32/2 177), among them, Pomacea canaliculata was 1 287, five was positive, and the infection rate was 0.4%; Achatina fulica was 240, positive 27, the infection rate was 11.3%; Bellamya lithophaga was 372 and all 278 Cipangopaludina chinensis was not positive. Conclusions There is a higher risk of infection with Angiostrongylus cantonensis if eating winkles. The third-stage larva in Pomacea canaliculata and Achatina fulica has been found in Guizhou Province. Market management, food-safety inspection of the winkles on sale, and public health education should be strengthened. Key words: Angiostrongylus cantonensis; Larva; Winkles