Eosinophilic meningitis due to Angiostrongylus cantonensis in a returned traveler: case report and review of the literature

Clin Infect Dis. 2001 Nov 1;33(9):e112-5. doi: 10.1086/323460. Epub 2001 Sep 24.

Abstract

Angiostrongylus cantonensis, the rat lungworm, is the principal cause of eosinophilic meningitis worldwide, and the increase in world travel and shipborne dispersal of infected rat vectors has extended this parasite to regions outside of its traditional geographic boundaries. We report a case of eosinophilic meningitis due to A. cantonensis in a patient who recently returned from a trip in the Pacific.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Angiostrongylus cantonensis / immunology
  • Angiostrongylus cantonensis / isolation & purification*
  • Animals
  • Antigens, Helminth / analysis
  • Eosinophils
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Meningitis / immunology
  • Meningitis / parasitology*
  • Meningitis / physiopathology
  • Strongylida Infections / immunology
  • Strongylida Infections / parasitology*
  • Strongylida Infections / physiopathology
  • Travel*

Substances

  • Antigens, Helminth