Objective: To reveal the natural distribution of Angiostrongylus cantonensis in the mainland of China.
Methods: The potential areas of A. cantonensis and its main intermediate host Pomacea canaliculata were predicted based on degree-day models using GIS technique. A grid sampling was performed on the prediction map and 5% grids were randomly sampled. A total of 55 sampled sites were selected for the survey on A. cantonensis and its hosts in September-October of 2006.
Results: Nineteen Provinces/Municipalities/Autonomous Regions were found as potential habitats for P. canaliculata in the mainland of China. It was then confirmed that the snails distributed in the provinces of Fujian, Jiangxi, Zhejiang, Hunan, Guangdong, Guangxi, Hainan, and Yunnan. Higher prevalence of A. cantonensis in P. canaliculata was detected in Jianou of Fujian (36.6%), Xingguo of Jiangxi (19.9%), Rui'an of Zhejiang (16.0%), Rucheng of Hunan (5.0%), Huazhou of Guangdong (6.3%), Shangsi of Guangxi (39.1%) and Wuzhishan of Hainan (25.0%).
Conclusion: Natural nidi of A. cantonensis have been found in seven provinces where natural infection in P. canaliculata has been detected.