. Angiostrongylus cantonensis, commonly known as the rat lungworm, is a parasitic nematode that primarily infects rats, with snails and slugs. Humans can become infected by ingesting contaminated food, such as raw or undercooked snails, slugs, freshwater prawns, crabs, or vegetables contaminated by slime from infected mollusks.
. In humans, infection can lead to eosinophilic meningoencephalitis characterized by severe headaches, neck stiffness, nausea, vomiting, fever, paresthesia, muscle twitches, diplopia, fascial paralysis with peripheral eosinophilia and ocular angiostrongyliasis. Neurological complications may occur. Early diagnosis and management are crucial to preventing complications.
.The IgG test for Angiostrongylus cantonensis is an important serological method to detect specific IgG antibodies against this parasite. This test can help determine whether the patient has been infected in the past and assess their level of immunity to the disease.