Achatina fulica infected by Angiostrongylus cantonensis on beaches, in the west zone of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

ABSTRACT Angiostrongylus cantonensis is considered the main etiological agent of eosinophilic meningitis in humans. At present, this zoonosis is considered an emerging disease mainly in the Americas. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of Achatina fulica infected by Angiostrongylus cantonensis in restinga areas along beaches in the west zone of Rio de Janeiro city, Brazil. The study areas included the following beaches: Barra da Tijuca, Recreio dos Bandeirantes, Reserva, Prainha and Grumari. Ninety specimens of Achatina fulica were collected. Positive molluscs were found only in Barra da Tijuca. Infection prevalence was 5.5%. The presence of this parasite in the beachfront areas, in the west zone of Rio de Janeiro city demonstrates the potential risk of infection for visitors and the expansion of this helminth in the State of Rio de Janeiro.

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Bechara,André H., Simões,Raquel O., Faro,Marta Júlia, Garcia,Juberlan S.
Format: Digital revista
Language:English
Published: Instituto de Medicina Tropical de São Paulo 2018
Online Access:http://old.scielo.br/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S0036-46652018005000601
Tags: Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!