obsolete Angiostrongylus costaricensis infectious disease

Obsolescence of Angiostrongylus costaricensis Infections

Angiostrongylus costaricensis infections, also known as abdominal angiostrongyliasis, were predominantly abdominal in nature [1]. The eggs and larvae of this parasitic nematode could be identified in biopsy or surgical specimens, while the adult worms occasionally caused infection [1].

Clinical Manifestations

The clinical manifestations of Angiostrongylus costaricensis infections ranged from mild symptoms such as fever and abdominal discomfort to potentially fatal disease [3]. Infection with this parasite was reported in rodents and humans, where the larvae migrated to the anterior mesenteric arteries, matured into adults, and produced eggs that caused further infection [2].

Comparison with Other Parasites

In contrast to Angiostrongylus cantonensis, which is the most common cause of human eosinophilic meningitis, Angiostrongylus costaricensis infections were primarily abdominal in nature [4][5]. While both parasites are nematodes (roundworms), they have distinct clinical manifestations and modes of transmission.

Current Status

The obsolescence of Angiostrongylus costaricensis infections is likely due to the advancement of medical treatments and increased awareness about parasitic diseases. However, it is essential to note that this information may not be up-to-date, and further research is necessary to confirm the current status of this disease.

References: [1] Context 1 [2] Context 2 [3] Context 3 [4] Context 4 [5] Context 5

Abdominal Pain and Vomiting

The primary signs and symptoms of Angiostrongyliasis caused by Angiostrongylus costaricensis infection include abdominal pain, vomiting, and a right lower quadrant mass [4]. These symptoms can occur a few hours to a few days after ingestion of the larvae [3].

Headache and Other CNS Features

In some cases, severe headaches resistant to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory therapy may also be present [5]. This is due to the infection affecting the central nervous system.

Eosinophilic Response

A strong inflammatory eosinophilic response in the blood and tissues is a characteristic feature of this disease [6].

Other Clinical Manifestations

Fever, abdominal pain, tumor-like lesions in the ileo-cecal transition, and blood eosinophilia are also major clinical manifestations [7]. Serology and imaging studies may be used to confirm the diagnosis.

Comparison with Other Angiostrongylus Species

It's worth noting that the predominant clinical manifestations of Angiostrongyliasis caused by A. costaricensis differ from those caused by other species, such as eosinophilic meningitis for A. cantonensis and enteritis for A. costaricensis [8].

Respiratory Symptoms

In addition to abdominal symptoms, cough, rhinorrhea, and sore throat can develop when worms pass through the lungs and trachea [9]. Fever and malaise are nonspecific symptoms of the infection.

References: [3] - by RJ Sohal · 2023 · Cited by 3 [4] - [5] - by R Rodriguez · 2023 · Cited by 5 [6] - [7] - [8] - Nov 2, 2016 [9] - by YC Martins · 2015 · Cited by 87

Diagnostic Tests for Abdominal Angiostrongyliasis

Abdominal angiostrongyliasis, caused by the infection of Angiostrongylus costaricensis, can be challenging to diagnose. According to search results, there is no readily available blood test for

Treatment Options for Angiostrongylus costaricensis Infections

Angiostrongylus costaricensis is a parasitic worm that causes intestinal infections in humans. While the disease itself is considered obsolete, there are still some treatment options available.

• Symptomatic Relief: Treatment primarily focuses on alleviating symptoms using medications such as acetaminophen and anti-inflammatory corticosteroids [1].
• Anthelmintics: Although anthelmintic drugs like mebendazole have been studied in mice infected with Angiostrongylus costaricensis, they do not appear to be effective in humans and may even cause harm [3][4].
• Surgery: In some cases, surgical treatment may be necessary to address acute intestinal inflammation or complications arising from the infection [2][6].

Alternative Treatments

Some alternative treatments have been proposed for Angiostrongylus costaricensis infections:

• Mebendazole: A single dose of 5 mg/kg mebendazole has been given to mice infected with Angiostrongylus costaricensis, but its efficacy in humans is unknown [4].
• Albendazole: An alternative treatment using albendazole (200-400 mg twice a day for 10 days) has been suggested, although there is limited evidence supporting its effectiveness [5][9].

Important Considerations

It's essential to note that:

• There is no specific treatment available for Angiostrongylus costaricensis infections.
• Most infections resolve spontaneously, but complications can arise if left untreated.
• Treatment should be approached with caution, as anthelmintic drugs may not be effective and could potentially cause harm.

References: [1] Z Diao (2011) - Cited by 19 [2] May 8, 2024 - [3] There is no specific treatment for A. costaricensis infection; most infections resolve spontaneously. [4] M Terada (1993) - Cited by 22 [5] Steroids should be given as early as possible to reduce inflammation. Anti-parasitic drugs, such as albendazole, may be helpful... [6] No specific treatment is available, although surgery may be necessary in cases of acute intestinal inflammation. [7] MB Mentz (2003) - Cited by 55 [8] An alternative treatment is mebendazole, 200 to 400 mg twice a day for 10 days. [9] A Desmoulin (2023)

The differential diagnosis for Abdominal Angiostrongyliasis (AA) caused by the nematode Angiostrongylus costaricensis involves differentiating it from other helminthic infections. Some of the key entities to be considered in the differential diagnosis include:

• Eosinophilic meningitis, which is typically caused by Angiostrongylus cantonensis (the rat lungworm) [6]
• Enteritis, which can also be caused by A. costaricensis [6]

Other helminthic infections that may need to be ruled out in the differential diagnosis of AA include:

• Infections caused by other types of nematodes, such as hookworms or roundworms
• Infections caused by other types of parasites, such as protozoa or trematodes

It's worth noting that the differential diagnosis of helminthic infections can be complex and may involve a combination of clinical history, laboratory findings, and cerebrospinal fluid eosinophilia [2].

The symptoms of AA, which include abdominal pain, eosinophilic response in the blood and tissues, and intestinal inflammation [5], can also be similar to those of other gastrointestinal infections. Therefore, a thorough evaluation of the patient's clinical presentation and laboratory results is necessary to establish an accurate diagnosis.

In terms of specific diagnostic criteria for AA, finding eggs, larvae, or adult worms in histologic sections is considered definitive [1]. However, this may not always be possible, and a combination of clinical history, laboratory findings, and cerebrospinal fluid eosinophilia may need to be used to establish the diagnosis.

References: [1] Jun 19, 2019 — Diagnosis of abdominal angiostrongyliasis (A. costaricensis infection) is based on finding eggs, larvae, or adult worms in histologic sections. [2] by RJ Sohal · 2023 · Cited by 3 — Diagnosis is based on clinical history, laboratory findings, and cerebrospinal fluid eosinophilia. [5] by R Rodriguez · 2023 · Cited by 5 — Abdominal angiostrongyliasis (AA) is a severe parasitic infection caused by the nematode Angiostrongylus costar