The rat lungworm Angiostrongylus cantonensis is a zoonotic metastrongyloid nematode currently considered an emerging pathogen. Originating in Southeast Asia, this nematode has spread to tropical and subtropical parts of the world via its invasive rodent and gastropod hosts.On the island of Tenerife in the Canary archipelago, the A. cantonensis invasion was recognized more than a decade ago. The endemic lizard Gallotia galloti has been identified as a paratenic host of this nematode in the Canary Island ecosystem. Because this lizard species is the most abundant reptile in Tenerife, we tested its suitability as a possible sentinel for A. cantonensis presence. Lizards were captured alive in nine localities, spanning an environmental gradient across the island. Tail muscle tissue was obtained by provoked caudal autotomy and tested for the nematode infection by a species-specific qPCR. Infection intensities were assessed by detecting A. cantonensis DNA quantities based on a calibrated standard curve. Of the 129 samples tested, 31 were positive. The prevalence varied among localities, with the highest (63.6%) recorded in a humid laurel forest. Even though the prevalence in Valle San Lorenzo was the lowest, this is the first record of A. cantonensis from the arid south of Tenerife. Variation in prevalence at different localities was significantly and positively correlated with increasing vegetation cover and negatively correlated with seasonal variability of precipitation, as determined by Spearman correlation coefficients. Fisher's exact test was used to determine the variation in the prevalence of A. cantonensis among adult males, females, and juveniles and showed no significant difference. Also, there was no significant difference in infection intensity between males and females (as determined by GEE-g). We demonstrated that provoking caudal autotomy can be an effective non-lethal method of A. cantonensis mapping in island ecosystems with abundant lizard species, particularly those with a sharp climatic and vegetation gradient, from xeric to humid conditions.

• Klíčová slova
• Angiostrongylus cantonensis, caudal autotomy, lizards, rat lungworm, sentinels,
• MeSH
• Angiostrongylus cantonensis * izolace a purifikace   MeSH
• infekce hlísticemi řádu Strongylida * epidemiologie   veterinární   parazitologie   MeSH
• ještěři * parazitologie   MeSH
• prevalence MeSH
• sentinelové organismy parazitologie   MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Check Tag
• mužské pohlaví MeSH
• ženské pohlaví MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• Geografické názvy
• Španělsko epidemiologie   MeSH

Metastrongyloid nematodes typically reside as adults in the cardiopulmonary systems of their mammalian definitive hosts, potentially causing severe diseases. Of particular concern are Angiostrongylus cantonensis and A. costaricensis, which can cause eosinophilic meningitis and abdominal angiostrongyliasis, respectively, in their accidental human hosts. Several metastrongyloid species of medical and veterinary importance have been documented in the Canary Islands. However, the gastropod species acting as intermediate hosts for some of these nematodes in the archipelago remained unknown. This study aimed to investigate the occurrence of metastrongyloid nematodes in terrestrial and aquatic gastropods, including both endemic and non-native species, on Tenerife. Foot samples from terrestrial and aquatic gastropods were analyzed using a multiplex PCR targeting the Internal Transcribed Spacer 1 (ITS1), allowing the specific detection of A. cantonensis, A. vasorum, Aelurostrongylus abstrusus, Crenosoma striatum, Troglostrongylus brevior, and Crenosoma vulpis. Five metastrongyloid species, namely C. striatum, A. cantonensis, Ae. abstrusus, A. vasorum, and an unidentified metastrongyloid, were identified within both non-native and endemic terrestrial gastropods. In the aquatic snail Physella acuta, only A. cantonensis and C. striatum were detected. This study confirms the introduction of various metastrongyloids associated with non-native mammalian fauna and provides new data on the occurrence of these nematodes in non-native and endemic gastropod species, including their presence in aquatic environments on the Canary Islands.

• Klíčová slova
• Aelurostrongylus abstrusus, Angiostrongylus cantonensis, Angiostrongylus vasorum, Crenosoma striatum, Canary Islands, Metastrongyloids,
• MeSH
• ekosystém * MeSH
• infekce hlísticemi řádu Strongylida * veterinární   parazitologie   epidemiologie   MeSH
• Metastrongyloidea * izolace a purifikace   genetika   klasifikace   MeSH
• mezerníky ribozomální DNA genetika   MeSH
• multiplexová polymerázová řetězová reakce MeSH
• plži parazitologie   MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Check Tag
• zvířata MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• Geografické názvy
• Španělsko MeSH
• Názvy látek
• mezerníky ribozomální DNA MeSH

The rat lungworm Angiostrongylus cantonensis is a metastrongyloid nematode that causes neurological disorders in its accidental hosts, including humans. This invasive pathogen is native to Southeast Asia and adjacent regions and is gradually expanding its distribution to tropical and subtropical areas with new foci discovered near temperate regions. The parasite has a complex life cycle with a range of gastropods serving as intermediate hosts. A broad spectrum of poikilotherm vertebrates and invertebrates can serve as paratenic hosts. Since it has already been demonstrated that other, non-zoonotic metastrongyloids can survive in their intermediate hosts during the winter, the aim of our study was to evaluate the survival of A. cantonensis third-stage larvae in experimentally infected slugs (Limax maximus) kept at 4.5–7°C for 60 days. Third-stage larvae of A. cantonensis survived the period of low temperature and remained capable of infecting definitive hosts (laboratory rats) afterwards, even though their numbers dropped significantly. These results suggest that further spread to higher latitudes or altitudes is possible in areas with sufficient abundance of definitive hosts, since low winter temperatures are not necessarily an obstacle to the spread of the parasite.

• Klíčová slova
• Angiostrongylus cantonensis, Limax maximus, invasive nematode, overwintering,
• MeSH
• Angiostrongylus cantonensis * MeSH
• Angiostrongylus * MeSH
• hlemýždi parazitologie   MeSH
• infekce hlísticemi řádu Strongylida * veterinární   parazitologie   MeSH
• krysa rodu Rattus MeSH
• larva MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• roční období MeSH
• stadia vývoje MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Check Tag
• krysa rodu Rattus MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• práce podpořená grantem MeSH

Human angiostrongylosis is an emerging zoonosis caused by the larvae of three species of metastrongyloid nematodes of the genus Angiostrongylus, with Angiostrongylus cantonensis (Chen, 1935) being dominant across the world. Its obligatory heteroxenous life cycle includes rats as definitive hosts, mollusks as intermediate hosts, and amphibians and reptiles as paratenic hosts. In humans, the infection manifests as Angiostrongylus eosinophilic meningitis (AEM) or ocular form. Since there is no comprehensive study on the disease in the Indian subcontinent, our study aims at the growing incidence of angiostrongylosis in humans, alongside its clinical course and possible causes. A systematic literature search revealed 28 reports of 45 human cases from 1966 to 2022; eosinophilic meningitis accounted for 33 cases (75.5%), 12 cases were reported as ocular, 1 case was combined, and 1 case was unspecified. The presumed source of infection was reported in 5 cases only. Importantly, 22 AEM patients reported a history of eating raw monitor lizard (Varanus spp.) tissues in the past. As apex predators, monitor lizards accumulate high numbers of L3 responsible for acute illness in humans. For ocular cases, the source was not identified. Most cases were diagnosed based on nematode findings and clinical pathology (primarily eosinophilia in the cerebrospinal fluid). Only two cases were confirmed to be A. cantonensis, one by immunoblot and the other by q-PCR. Cases of angiostrongylosis have been reported in Delhi, Karnataka, Kerala, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Puducherry, Telangana, and West Bengal. With a population of more than 1.4 billion, India is one of the least studied areas for A. cantonensis. It is likely that many cases remain undetected/unreported. Since most cases have been reported from the state of Kerala, further research may focus on this region. Gastropods, amphibians, and reptiles are commonly consumed in India; however, typical preparation methods involve cooking, which kills the nematode larvae. In addition to studying rodent and mollusk hosts, monitor lizards can be used as effective sentinels. Sequence data are urgently needed to answer the question of the identity of Angiostrongylus-like metastrongylid nematodes isolated from all types of hosts. DNA-based diagnostic methods such as q-PCR and LAMP should be included in clinical diagnosis of suspected cases and in studies of genetic diversity and species identity of nematodes tentatively identified as A. cantonensis.

• Klíčová slova
• Angiostrongylus cantonensis, Indian subcontinent, eosinophilic meningitis, human angiostrongyliasis,
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• přehledy MeSH

BACKGROUND: Endemic lizards of the genus Gallotia are of high ecological value to the terrestrial ecosystem of the archipelago of the Canary Islands, being potent seed spreaders as well as an important component of the diet of other vertebrates. The endemic lizard Gallotia galloti in Tenerife has recently been reported to be a paratenic host of Angiostrongylus cantonensis, an invasive metastrongylid with zoonotic potential that is associated with rats as definitive hosts. However, microscopic examination of G. galloti tissue samples also revealed the presence of other metastrongylid larvae inside granulomas on the liver of this reptile. The aim of this study was to investigate the presence of helminths other than A. cantonensis in tissues of G. galloti from Tenerife. METHODS: A multiplex-nested PCR targeting the internal transcribed spacer 1 was designed that enabled the species-specific detection of A. cantonensis, Angiostrongylus vasorum, Aelurostrongylus abstrusus, Crenosoma striatum and Crenosoma vulpis. Liver samples from 39 G. galloti were analysed. RESULTS: Five metastrongylids were detected: A. cantonensis (15.4% of samples analysed), A. vasorum (5.1%), Ae. abstrusus (30.8%), C. striatum (30.8%) and undetermined metastrongylid sequences (12.8%). Co-infection was highly prevalent among the lizards which tested positive. CONCLUSIONS: The study provides a new specific tool for the simultaneous detection of a range of metastrongylids of veterinary importance as well as new data on the circulation of metastrongylids in an ecosystem dominated by lizards.

• Klíčová slova
• Aelurostrongylus abstrusus, Angiostrongylus cantonensis, Angiostrongylus vasorum, Crenosoma striatum, Gallotia galloti, Multiplex PCR,
• MeSH
• ekosystém MeSH
• játra MeSH
• ještěři * parazitologie   MeSH
• krysa rodu Rattus MeSH
• Metastrongyloidea * MeSH
• veřejné zdravotnictví MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Check Tag
• krysa rodu Rattus MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• Geografické názvy
• Španělsko epidemiologie   MeSH

Angiostrongylus cantonensis is an invasive zoonotic nematode which causes eosinophilic meningitis in accidental hosts – vertebrates including humans – and is known to impact wildlife. Even though the parasite originates in Southeast Asia, it has spread worldwide, especially into fragile island ecosystems. The Canary Islands are a biodiversity hot spot with numerous endemic species affected by biological invasions. Among others, Rattus rattus and Rattus norvegicus threaten many endemic species by predation and may spread invasive pathogens, such as the rat lungworm A. cantonensis, which was first described in Tenerife in 2010. Since it is known that lizards can act as paratenic hosts for A. cantonensis and Gallotia galloti is a lizard abundant in Tenerife, the aim of this study was to reveal the role of these endemic lizards in the parasite's life cycle. Gallotia galloti were captured in Tegueste, Tenerife, and after euthanasia, liver and tail muscle samples were examined for the presence of A. cantonensis. During microscopic examination, 8/36 liver samples (22.2%) contained granulomas with nematode larvae. In total, 10/39 liver samples (25.6%) and 7/36 tail muscle samples (19.4%) were positive for A. cantonensis DNA using qPCR. This is a first report of a reptile endemic to the Canary Islands acting as paratenic host of A. cantonensis. The fact that the parasite is obviously well-established in the island ecosystem and exploits endemic lizards as hosts may have important implications for the parasite's ecoepidemiology. Moreover, the parasite might threaten other species which depend on lizards in the island trophic web.

[Figure: see text]

• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH

Lungworms in the genus Angiostrongylus cause disease in animals and humans. The spread of Angiostrongylus vasorum within Europe and the recent establishment of Angiostrongylus cantonensis increase the relevance of these species to veterinary and medical practitioners, and to researchers in parasitology, epidemiology, veterinary science and ecology. This review introduces the key members of the genus present in Europe and their impacts on health, and updates the current epidemiological situation. Expansion of A. vasorum from localized pockets to wide distribution across the continent has been confirmed by a rising prevalence in foxes and increasing reports of infection and disease in dogs, while the list of carnivore and mustelid definitive hosts continues to grow. The tropically distributed rat lungworm A. cantonensis, meanwhile, has been recorded on islands south of Europe, previously the Canary Islands, and now also the Balearic Islands, although so far with limited evidence of zoonotic disease. Other members of the genus, namely, A. chabaudi, A. daskalovi and A. dujardini, are native to Europe and mainly infect wildlife, with unknown consequences for populations, although spill-over can occur into domestic animals and those in zoological collections. The epidemiology of angiostrongylosis is complex, and further research is needed on parasite maintenance in sylvatic hosts, and on the roles of ecology, behaviour and genetics in disease emergence. Improved surveillance in animals and humans is also required to support risk assessments and management.

• Klíčová slova
• Angiostrongylus, angiostrongyliasis, climate change, epidemiology, lungworm,
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• přehledy MeSH

BACKGROUND: Rats (Rattus spp.) invaded most of the world as stowaways including some that carried the rat lungworm, Angiostrongylus cantonensis, the cause of eosinophilic meningoencephalitis in humans and other warm-blooded animals. A high genetic diversity of A. cantonensis based on short mitochondrial DNA regions is reported from Southeast Asia. However, the identity of invasive A. cantonensis is known for only a minority of countries. The affordability of next-generation sequencing for characterisation of A. cantonensis genomes should enable new insights into rat lung worm invasion and parasite identification in experimental studies. METHODS: Genomic DNA from morphologically verified A. cantonensis (two laboratory-maintained strains and two field isolates) was sequenced using low coverage whole genome sequencing. The complete mitochondrial genome was assembled and compared to published A. cantonensis and Angiostrongylus malaysiensis sequences. To determine if the commonly sequenced partial cox1 can unequivocally identify A. cantonensis genetic lineages, the diversity of cox1 was re-evaluated in the context of the publicly available cox1 sequences and the entire mitochondrial genomes. Published experimental studies available in Web of Science were systematically reviewed to reveal published identities of A. cantonensis used in experimental studies. RESULTS: New A. cantonensis mitochondrial genomes from Sydney (Australia), Hawaii (USA), Canary Islands (Spain) and Fatu Hiva (French Polynesia), were assembled from next-generation sequencing data. Comparison of A. cantonensis mitochondrial genomes from outside of Southeast Asia showed low genetic diversity (0.02-1.03%) within a single lineage of A. cantonensis. Both cox1 and cox2 were considered the preferred markers for A. cantonensis haplotype identification. Systematic review revealed that unequivocal A. cantonensis identification of strains used in experimental studies is hindered by absence of their genetic and geographical identity. CONCLUSIONS: Low coverage whole genome sequencing provides data enabling standardised identification of A. cantonensis laboratory strains and field isolates. The phenotype of invasive A. cantonensis, such as the capacity to establish in new territories, has a strong genetic component, as the A. cantonensis found outside of the original endemic area are genetically uniform. It is imperative that the genotype of A. cantonensis strains maintained in laboratories and used in experimental studies is unequivocally characterised.

• Klíčová slova
• Genetic diversity, Invasive species, Mitochondrial genome, Next-generation sequencing, Rat lungworm, Rattus, cox1,
• MeSH
• Angiostrongylus cantonensis genetika   MeSH
• cyklooxygenasa 1 genetika   MeSH
• fylogeneze MeSH
• genetická variace * MeSH
• genom mitochondriální * MeSH
• genom u helmintů MeSH
• infekce hlísticemi řádu Strongylida parazitologie   MeSH
• krysa rodu Rattus MeSH
• mitochondriální DNA * MeSH
• sekvenční analýza DNA MeSH
• sekvenování celého genomu MeSH
• vysoce účinné nukleotidové sekvenování MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Check Tag
• krysa rodu Rattus MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• Geografické názvy
• Austrálie MeSH
• Havajské ostrovy MeSH
• Polynésie MeSH
• Španělsko MeSH
• Názvy látek
• cyklooxygenasa 1 MeSH
• mitochondriální DNA * MeSH