Definition of Angiostrongyliasis Angiostrongyliasis: Infection
with the parasitic nematode (roundworm) Angiostrongylus. The two
species that infect humans are A. cantonensis and A.
costaricensis. A. cantonensis, the rat lungworm, is the most
common cause of human eosinophilic meningitis (meningitis with
eosinophils in the cerebrospinal fluid). The meningitis is due
to the presence of the rat lungworm larvae in the brain and the
patient's local reactions to them. A. costaricensis causes
abdominal, or intestinal, angiostrongyliasis which mimics
appendicitis, with eosinophilia (an increase of eosinophils in
blood). There is no effective treatment for A. cantonensis or A.
costaricensis.Source: MedTerms™ Medical Dictionary Last
Editorial Review: 6/14/2012 Medical Dictionary Definitions A - Z
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