Epidemic status of Angiostrongylus cantonensis in Hainan island, China

Abstract

Objective: To understand the current epidemiological status of Angiostrongylus cantonensis in Hainan island and provide the scientific evidences for prevention and control of the disease.

Methods: The investigation on nature infection condition of intermediate hosts and final hosts of Angiostrongylus cantonensis were carried out in five counties, Hainan Province, and enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was employed to detect antibodies of Angiostrongylus cantonensis in human hosts.

Results: A total of 1612 molluscs were examined, 21.3% of which harbored L3 of Angiostrongylus cantonensis. Among them, the infection rates of Pomacea canaliculata, Achatina fulica, Cepaea and Phlegm bilineatus were 12.36%(64/518), 22.66%(121/534), 20.93%(9/43), and 28.24%(146/517), respectively. Of the 118 rats trapped, 13 Rattus norvegicus were found to be infected with Angiostrongylus cantonensis. A total of 459 serum samples were collected and tested. 92 serum samples were Angiostrongylus cantonensis antibody-positive.

Conclusions: The survey revealed a wide distribution of Angiostrongylus cantonensis in Hainan island. Pomacea canaliculata and Achatina fulica are main intermediate hosts of Angiostrongylus cantonensis. Rattus novegicus is a nature definitive host, indicating that a considerable number of people are at risk of angiostrongyliasis. Health education, rigorous food inspection and surveillance are all needed to prevent angiostrongyliasis outbreaks in future.