Angiostrongyliasis

Angiostrongyliasis is an infection by a roundworm of the Angiostrongylus type. Symptoms may vary from none to mild, to meningitis.

Infection with Angiostrongylus cantonensis (rat lungworm) can occur after ingestion of raw or undercooked snails or slugs, and less likely unwashed fruits and vegetables.

In humans, A. cantonensis is the most common cause of eosinophilic meningitis or meningoencephalitis. Frequently the infection will resolve without treatment or serious consequences, but in cases with a heavy load of parasites the infection can be so severe it can cause permanent damage to the central nervous system (CNS) or death.